The recent comments from Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan have sparked widespread controversy among fellow Democrats, causing many to criticize her statements regarding Israel and Palestinians.
In a recent interview, Tlaib stated she was hurt when she hears people talking about Palestinians in a dehumanizing way,” claiming that her Palestinian grandfather was treated unjustly and discriminated against while living in the region.
She further supported the sanctions by the Israeli government against the Gazan people, which she considers “inhumane” and accused Israel of “occupying land and oppressing Palestinians.
Several Democratic lawmakers have come forward to critique Rep. Tlaib, claiming that her remarks are out of line. Congressman Eliot Engel of New York, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that her comments were “outrageous and unacceptable” since the issues regarding the region are not black and white.
Similarly, Senators Ben Cardin of Maryland and Dick Durbin of Illinois both disagree with Tlaib, claiming that her remarks that the Israeli occupation is “wrong” are unhelpful and incite further hostility between the region’s conflicting parties. As Cardin put it, “The only way to achieve a secure and lasting peace is through good-faith negotiation, and that requires commitment from both sides.”
Overall, Rep. Tlaib’s comments have been met with strong criticism from fellow Democrats, who disagree that her partisan opinions about the region’s long history of turbulence are the best solution for its citizens.
