Two U.S. congressmen took swipes at each other Saturday over each other’s commitment to Israel.
It began when Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., demanded an apology from Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, for King’s comments about Jewish Democrats and Israel.
King had stoked controversy Friday by saying that he didn’t “understand how Jews in America can be Democrats first and Jewish second” on the question of Israel.
King cited recent conflicts between President Obama and congressional Democrats and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister who just scored a victory in this week’s elections.
“They’re knee-jerk supporters of the president’s policy,” King said of Democrats Friday on Boston Herald Radio.
Israel, a Jewish Democrat, took exception Friday evening.
I don’t need Congressman Steve King questioning my religion or my politics. I demand an apology from him & repudiation from GOP. #dangerous
— Steve Israel (@RepSteveIsrael) March 21, 2015
King responded Saturday.
@RepSteveIsrael: Real men make such requests face 2 face & man 2 man. I defend Israelis from Leftists & misogynists. pic.twitter.com/GvX5XDftHx
— Steve King (@SteveKingIA) March 21, 2015
Israel fired right back.
Good to know @SteveKingIA has become a Talmudic scholar on what defines Jews. Steve, you really are mashugana. Look it up.
— Steve Israel (@RepSteveIsrael) March 21, 2015
Israel closed by calling King “mashugana,” or crazy.
King, a conservative Republican, is influential in Iowa, the first caucus state in the presidential primaries.
