2020 Democrats urge Israel to reverse decision banning Omar, Tlaib visit

September 3, 2020 Off By EveAim

Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) and Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) are condemning Israel’s move to ban two U.S. congresswomen from visiting the country and are urging the Israeli government to reverse its decision.

The two White House hopefuls weighed in shortly after Israel confirmed it would bar Reps. Rashida TlaibRashida Harbi TlaibHow language is bringing down Donald Trump Defunding the police: Put it to a vote McEnany, Ocasio-Cortez tangle over ‘Biden adviser’ label MORE (D-Mich.) and Ilhan OmarIlhan OmarHow language is bringing down Donald Trump Biden, Democrats seek to shut down calls to defund police McEnany, Ocasio-Cortez tangle over ‘Biden adviser’ label MORE (D-Minn.) from visiting the country this weekend over their support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel.

ADVERTISEMENT“Israel doesn’t advance its case as a tolerant democracy or unwavering US ally by barring elected members of Congress from visiting because of their political views. This would be a shameful, unprecedented move,” Warren tweeted. “I urge Israel’s government to allow @IlhanMN and @RashidaTlaib entry.”

“Banning Congresswomen Omar and Tlaib from entering Israel and Palestine is a sign of enormous disrespect to these elected leaders, to the United States Congress, and to the principles of democracy,” Sanders tweeted. “The Israeli government should reverse this decision and allow them in.”

Israeli officials announced Thursday that the country would deny entry to Tlaib and Omar, outspoken critics of the country.

Deputy Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely said the country would not “allow those who deny our right to exist in this world to enter,” according to The Times of Israel.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE had called on the Israeli government to block the two U.S. lawmakers from entering the country, despite leaders of both parties saying they should be able to visit.

A new Israeli law denies entry to those who back boycotts targeting the country. Trump argued it would show “great weakness” on Israel’s part if it allowed Omar and Tlaib in.

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, widely seen as the Democratic Party’s primary frontrunner, condemned Israel’s move to ban the lawmakers’ entry and took a shot at Trump for encouraging the country to do so.

“I have always been a stalwart supporter of Israel—a vital partner that shares our democratic values. No democracy should deny entry to visitors based on the content of their ideas—even ideas they strongly object to. And no leader of the free world should encourage them to do so,” Biden tweeted.

“Make no mistake, the Israeli government just barred two elected members of the U.S. Congress from an official trip just to appease President Trump’s fragile ego,” tweeted former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, another Democrat who is running for president.

“This is appalling. They should be allowed to enter,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Rep. John DelaneyJohn DelaneyThe Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says country needs to rethink what ‘policing’ means; US cases surpass 2 million with no end to pandemic in sight Minnesota AG Keith Ellison says racism is a bigger problem than police behavior; 21 states see uptick in cases amid efforts to reopen The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan says there will be consequences from fraying US-China relations; WHO walks back claims on asymptomatic spread of virus MORE (D-Md.) said Israel’s decision is “precisely wrong.” 

“I’m disappointed that the Prime Minister and his government did this, and it is clear that President Trump pushed him to do so as part of his effort to make Israel policy a partisan wedge to further divide the country,” Delaney said in an emailed statement. 

“We benefit from more dialogue, not less. While I strongly disagree with Rep. Tlaib and Rep. Omar’s support of BDS, I strongly agree that vibrant democracies and great leaders must lift up and put the long term strength of the alliance above partisan talking points.”

Tech entrepreneur Andrew YangAndrew YangGeorge Floyd protests show corporations must support racial and economic equality Andrew Yang discusses his universal basic income pilot program Andrew Yang on the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis MORE said he hopes Israel reverses its decision, and said Trump cares more about “riling his base.”

“.@realDonaldTrump cares more about riling his base against Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib than he cares about the U.S. – Israel Relationship. I hope Israel pushes back and reverses this decision,” Yang tweeted. 

Other candidates focused on slamming Trump for encouraging such a move.

“It’s sad to have a president who acts like a child bully in the schoolyard when it comes to international relations,” tweeted Rep. Seth MoultonSeth MoultonEx-CBO director calls for more than trillion in coronavirus stimulus spending Overnight Defense: Trump’s move to use military in US sparks backlash | Defense officials take heat | Air Force head calls Floyd’s death ‘a national tragedy’ Democrats blast Trump’s use of military against protests MORE (D-Mass.).

“President Trump, you show great weakness every single day—when you attack women of color, when you degrade the office of the president, and when you ask our allies to stoop to your level,” former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) tweeted.

Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.) also made a plea to Israel to reverse its decision to ban the Muslim American Democrats from crossing its border, while also taking a dig at Trump.

“Trump’s constant attacks on Congresswomen Omar and Tlaib are no secret to Israeli leadership. Reversing this decision would demonstrate they understand the dangerous nature of Trump’s racist rhetoric both here at home and around the world,” Booker tweeted. 

Updated at 4:22 p.m.

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