Republicans hammer Democrats on Israel after President Herzog’s address to Congress
Cami Mondeaux
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House Republicans hit out against their Democratic counterparts in the aftermath of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s joint address to Congress, accusing some liberals of antisemitism after they boycotted the speech on Wednesday morning.
Herzog praised the United States for its relationship with Israel during his 40-minute speech, lauding the alliance as an “ancient promise fulfilled” through democracy. The address comes at a crucial time as President Joe Biden seeks to navigate the sometimes-complicated relationship with Israel, a crucial ally in the Middle East that has worked closely with the U.S. for over 75 years.
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However, Republicans were quick to criticize the handful of House Democrats who chose to skip the address altogether, citing human rights concerns related to the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians.
“Many chose to boycott today’s address,” GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said. “That is shameful. It is un-American.”
At least six Democrats boycotted the address, including Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Cori Bush (D-MO), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Herzog referenced the Democratic disapproval of the Israeli government in his speech, noting he is not “oblivious to criticism among friends.”
“But criticism of Israel must not cross the line into negation of the state of Israel’s right to exist. Questioning the Jewish people’s right to self-determination is not legitimate diplomacy. It is antisemitism,” he said, which was met with a roar of applause from members of Congress.
GOP leaders praised Herzog for his response to Palestinian relations, homing in on his definition of antisemitism when it comes to the Israeli conflict.
“The president got into some very important direct words about antisemitism,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said. “He drew a clear line and said when you cross that line and threaten Israel’s right for self-governance, that’s when it goes too far. That’s when it becomes antisemitism.”
“I thought that was incredibly powerful and necessary at a time [when] we’ve got some members in Congress who continue to promote that antisemitism, who boycotted this speech because of antisemitism,” he added.
Republicans also hammered the Democrats who voted against a GOP-led resolution affirming congressional support for Israel just one day before Herzog’s address. The resolution came in direct response to comments made during a panel discussion with the liberal Netroots Nation over the weekend, during which Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) emphasized their shared goal of “fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state.”
Nine Democrats voted against the measure, including all six who boycotted the speech. One Democrat, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), voted present.
“The fact that 10 House Democrats refused to agree that Israel is not a racist state is completely inexcusable,” GOP Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) said. “If recent events have shown us anything, it’s that the Democrats have solidified their position as the anti-Israel party.”
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Herzog’s speech coincides with the 75th anniversary of Israel’s statehood and marks the first time an Israeli president has addressed Congress in a joint session in more than 35 years. (The last president to do so was President Chaim Herzog, Isaac Herzog’s father, in 1987.)
Vice President Kamala Harris attended Herzog’s speech and is scheduled to meet with him later Wednesday afternoon. Biden saw his Israeli counterpart the day before in a meeting meant to showcase U.S. commitment to Israel.