Tlaib Criticizes Democrats Who Met with Netanyahu
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, known for her hardline leftist views and vocal criticism of the Israeli government, has accused every member of Congress who meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of supporting a war criminal. This includes fellow Democrats who have engaged in talks with Netanyahu since the recent outbreak of violence in the region. Tensions within the left are deepening as the issue continues to divide the party.
Tlaib’s Strong Words and Criticism of Israeli Government
Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, has been one of the most outspoken critics of the Israeli government throughout her time in Capitol Hill. Her criticism has intensified following the surprise attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7th, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people, mostly civilians including children and the elderly. Hamas still holds dozens of people captive in Gaza, and Israel has responded with a ground invasion and a barrage of rocket fire and airstrikes. The Hamas-run health ministry claims that nearly 21,000 Palestinians have been killed so far.
In a passionate Instagram Story, Tlaib expressed her frustration with the US funding and supporting what she referred to as a “genocide and war on children” in Palestine. She urged others to continue discussing the plight of Palestinians, accompanied by a video allegedly depicting a deceased Palestinian infant.
Democratic Congressman Gottheimer Meets with Netanyahu
Representative Josh Gottheimer, a more moderate member of Tlaib’s party, recently returned from a visit to Israel. During his trip, he met with Netanyahu, Israeli officials, and the families of those who are still held captive by Hamas. Gottheimer emphasized the importance of standing by Israel, bringing all hostages home, eliminating terrorists, and providing much-needed humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinian civilians who, he claims, are being used by Hamas as human shields.
It is worth noting that Gottheimer was one of 22 House Democrats who voted alongside Republicans to censure Tlaib for her comments about Israel back in November.
Exchange of Strong Words with Turkish President Erdogan
Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made controversial remarks, comparing Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler but claiming that the Israeli leader was “richer” due to US support. Netanyahu promptly responded, dismissing Erdogan’s comments and highlighting his own concerns about Erdogan’s rule, including the alleged genocide against the Kurds and the imprisonment of journalists who oppose his regime.
The ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to fuel heated debates within Congress and across the international community.