A pair of Florida House Republicans are leading an effort to censure “The Squad.”
Reps. Mike Waltz and Daniel Webster are advocating formal House censure of left-wing Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omer, and Ayanna Pressley for their rhetorical attacks on Israel, which are promoting anti-Semitic actions at home, and in the United States.
For example, the lawmakers cite Omar’s recent tweet, which equated America and Israel with the terrorist groups Hamas and the Taliban. In the tweet, Omar said, ‘‘We must have the same level of accountability and justice for all victims of crimes against humanity. We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban.’’
That comment even drew criticism from the left, as 12 Jewish Democrats rebuked Omar.
Waltz and Webster note that Tlaib accused Israel, in dealing with the Palestinians, of ‘‘ethnic cleansing’’ and declared that America’s Middle Eastern ally is ‘‘promoting racism and dehumanization.’
They also point out that AOC and Pressley have, in turn, denounced Israel for ‘‘human rights abuses’’ and ‘‘egregious human rights violations,’ respectively.
In a statement, Waltz said, “We cannot turn a blind eye to Members of Congress openly defending terrorist attacks by Hamas against our close ally Israel nor their dangerous rhetoric which has contributed to anti-Semitic attacks across the country.
“I’ve seen firsthand gross atrocities against women and ethnic minorities at the hands of the Taliban. I’ve personally been fired upon by terrorists hiding behind women and children and seen the Taliban place suicide vests on teenagers,” added Waltz, who served as a Green Beret before being elected to Congress.
“For members of the U.S. Congress to make equivalencies to Israel and the American military, which puts its own soldiers at risk to avoid civilian casualties, is ignorant of the facts, shameful, and should be condemned in the strongest terms.”
On his official website, Waltz included a list of examples of The Squad’s dangerous rhetoric that runs 15 pages.
Webster noted in his own statement, “By falsely condemning the nation of Israel and slandering America’s role in the conflict, the Squad has incited unrest, further contributed to the division they claim to oppose, and ultimately fueled efforts by Hamas to dismantle democracy in the Middle East.”
“Despite dangerous comments made by the Squad and negative portrayals outlined by some in the media, Israel has a right to defend its people from terror attacks. We must stand with our ally Israel and continue exercising patience and compassion while working toward the peaceful and mutual recognition of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”
Joining them in backing the resolution are GOP Reps. Jim Banks of Indiana and Claudia Tenney of New York.
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