AIPAC, the top pro-Israel lobbying group, condemned the Middle Eastern country’s decision to bar Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from visiting.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee said Thursday it disagreed with the Muslim congresswomen’s support for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, as well as Tlaib’s endorsement of a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but they should be able to visit Israel.
“We also believe every member of Congress should be able to visit and experience our democratic ally Israel firsthand,” AIPAC tweeted.
We disagree with Reps. Omar and Tlaib’s support for the anti-Israel and anti-peace BDS movement, along with Rep. Tlaib’s calls for a one-state solution. We also believe every member of Congress should be able to visit and experience our democratic ally Israel firsthand.
— AIPAC (@AIPAC) August 15, 2019
Israel said earlier in the day it was barring Omar and Tlaib, who were scheduled to arrive this weekend, from entering the country. President Trump pressed Israeli leaders to block them and lashed out at Minnesota’s Omar and Michigan’s Tlaib in several tweets.
“It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit,” he wrote. “They are a disgrace!”
It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit. They hate Israel & all Jewish people, & there is nothing that can be said or done to change their minds. Minnesota and Michigan will have a hard time putting them back in office. They are a disgrace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019
Representatives Omar and Tlaib are the face of the Democrat Party, and they HATE Israel!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019
