Schumer discreetly criticizes Jayapal’s remarks on Israel as a “racist state.”
The Senate Stands Against Inflammatory Remarks, Declares Israel Not Racist or Apartheid State
The Senate made a powerful statement on Tuesday night, passing a resolution that firmly declares Israel as not being a “racist or apartheid state.” This resolution serves as a rebuke to Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), whose controversial comments had sparked intense backlash just before Israel’s president’s state visit.
It was House Republicans who introduced this measure, strategically putting Democrats on the record. Jayapal, known as the top progressive in the lower chamber, had labeled Israel as racist in its treatment of Palestinians. While the majority of Democrats strongly support Israel, with party leadership swiftly denouncing Jayapal’s comments, a small group of lawmakers, primarily members of the “Squad,” remain deeply critical.
Nine Democrats voted against the resolution, while one chose to vote present. Jayapal, having since apologized for her remarks, ultimately voted in favor of the measure.
The Senate did not formally record a vote on the resolution, as it was passed late in the evening after senators had already left for the day. However, before adjourning for the night, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) presiding, brought up the measure to be approved by unanimous consent.
Schumer himself has faced criticism within his own ranks regarding Israel. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, boycotted Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s joint address to Congress last week, a move that surprised no one. Several House progressives, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who has previously made controversial comments about the Jewish state, widely condemned as antisemitic, also joined in the boycott. In 2019, the House passed a resolution condemning bigotry in response to Omar’s remarks.
Democrats find themselves in a delicate position, torn between supporting Israel and expressing opposition to actions they believe undermine a two-state solution, particularly Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Much of their frustration is directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose pursuit of judicial reforms within his own country has further strained tensions. The Israeli Knesset passed these reforms, which diminish the power of the Supreme Court, just this Monday.
“Look, the bottom line is I strongly and fully support a strong Israel-America relationship,” Schumer, donning blue and white attire for the Herzog address, emphasized to reporters last week. “But I’ve expressed my disagreements directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
The Senate concluded the night by approving two additional resolutions. One designates July as National Blueberry Month, while the other honors the 30th anniversary of the Pentagon’s State Partnership Program.
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