Tag: Rashida Tlaib

Trump crosses new line with Omar, Tlaib, Israel move

The Hill logoHe has sided with foreign autocrats over his own intelligence community; backed foreign dictators over his own military commanders; and supported foreign despots over his own allies abroad.

But President Trump broke new ground on Thursday when he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deny two Muslim congresswomen entrance to the country for a fact-finding visit, accusing them of harboring hatred toward “Israel & all Jewish people.”

The move reverberated across Washington, as pro-Israel groups condemned the president for threatening U.S.-Israel relations; foreign policy experts chimed in with warnings of frayed diplomatic ties; and stunned Democrats issued waves of statements denouncing Trump for pressuring a foreign government to deny his American political opponents rights of free passage.

View the complete August 15 article by Mike Lillis, Scott Wong and Morgan Chalfant on The Hill website here.

Minnesota DFL Statement on the Israeli Government Denying Entry to Reps. Omar and Tlaib

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Ken Martin, Chairman of the Minnesota DFL, released the following statement regarding the decision of the Israeli government to ban Representatives Omar and Tlaib from entering the country:

“I am incredibly disappointed that Israel’s democratic government would deny entry to two United States Congresswomen, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Their trip to Israel would have been a fantastic learning opportunity for everyone involved, and would have helped forge and deepen the bonds of mutual understanding between our two nations.

“I am also saddened, though not surprised, to see President Donald Trump encouraging this divisive and unproductive action from Israel’s government. It used to be the case that presidents from both parties would work to bridge our divides and bring Americans together. Time and time again, Donald Trump has worked to shatter this proud tradition by exacerbating our divisions and building walls that separate us from one another.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we not close ourselves off when confronted with differences of opinion and perspective. That’s why I am calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government to reverse this misguided decision, and I ask elected officials and leaders from the Minnesota DFL and Minnesota Republican Party to join me in this.”

Rep. Dean Phillips Statement on Israel Barring Entry to Reps. Omar, Tlaib

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in response to Israel denying entry to Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-13).

“I am appalled by Israel’s decision to bar entry to sitting members of the United States Congress. This action sets a damaging precedent for a free and democratic nation and our most important ally in the region. It will harm Israel’s standing among Americans and the entire free world, and sacrifices an opportunity to build bridges of understanding. I urge Israel’s leaders to reverse this dangerous decision immediately.” 

Rep. Phillips’s Congressional District is adjacent to Rep. Omar’s. Phillips, a Jewish American, is a consistent voice of support for the Jewish state of Israel.

Scoop: Trump tells advisers Israel should bar entry to Reps. Omar and Tlaib

Axios logoPresident Trump has told advisers he thinks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should use Israel’s anti-boycott law to bar Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) from entering Israel, according to 3 sources familiar with the situation.

What he’s saying: Trump’s private views have reached the top level of the Israeli government. But Trump denies, through White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, ever giving any kind of directive to the Israelis. “The Israeli government can do what they want. It’s fake news,” Grisham said on Saturday.

Driving the news: Trump has told U.S. advisers, including senior Trump administration officials, that Israel should bar Omar and Tlaib’s entry because the two congresswomen favor a boycott of Israel, according to sources familiar with Trump’s private comments. In 2017, Israel’s parliament passed a lawrequiring the interior minister to block foreign nationals from entering Israel if they have supported boycotting the Jewish state.

View the complete August 10 article by Jonathan Swan of Axios and Barak Ravid of Israel’s Channel 13 news on the Axios website here.