10 Republicans side with a foreign country over their fellow members of Congress
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Israel’s actions were ‘beneath the dignity’ of the country.
At least 10 Republican members of Congress are supporting Israel’s decision to block Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from entering the country after Trump specifically requested it.
On Thursday, Trump tweeted that it would be a sign of “great weakness” if Israel allowed the two congresswomen, who have been outspoken critics of Trump, to enter the country. Later that day, Israel officially blocked their entrance.
“Israel’s denial of entry to Congresswomen Tlaib and Omar is a sign of weakness, and beneath the dignity of the great State of Israel,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.
Most Republicans in the Senate and House stayed quiet on the issue, ceding the argument to Trump and the right-wing government of Israel, currently headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
But instead of standing with their fellow members of Congress who are elected to represent the United States, several Republicans made their preference for the foreign government’s position clear.
“Just like we expect people to respect our laws, Israeli law allows the government to block the entry of those who advocate for these destructive BDS policies, and we should respect their laws as well,” wrote Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), the minority whip and second highest-ranking Republican in the House.
“Israel has the right to decide who can come into their country just like we do,” said Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ) in an interview with Fox News.
“Israel is a sovereign nation and they have no obligation to let in anti-Semitic Congressional members into their country,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL).
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) also defended Israel’s decision by also accusing the two congresswomen of “vile anti-Semitism.” She provided no evidence for her claim.
“I stand fully with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel regarding their right to deny admittance of anyone who advocates against the interests of Israel,” said Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX).
“I support Israel’s decision 100%,” wrote Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN).
“Hard to believe the righteous indignation when you support the economic destruction of a country, then get mad when they don’t let you in,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX).
“If you boycott Israel, you probably shouldn’t be surprised if Israel boycotts you,” Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) posted.
“Like many nations, Israel bars enemies from entering Israel. How can anyone disagree with that?” asked Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL).
“It shouldn’t be shocking they are unwelcome in a nation they are taking great pains to tear down,” Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) said in a statement.
The issue, of course, is not whether any of the Republican members of Congress support the positions of their Democratic colleagues on Israel or any other matter. But Trump asked a foreign country to punish American citizens who serve their country in Congress, and Republicans sided with Trump and a foreign country instead of with their fellow representatives of the United States.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.
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