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Democrats blast Israel for banning Omar and Tlaib

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed the Jewish state’s decision to deny admission to two anti-Israel congresswomen, calling the move “beneath the dignity of the great State of Israel.”

By World Israel News and AP

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a top player in the Democratic party, had harsh words for Israel over its decision to bar entry to two congresswoman who actively promote boycotts of the Jewish state and have faced persistent accusations of anti-Semitism.

Pelosi also said President Donald Trump’s statements about Tlaib and Omar encouraging Israel to block their planned visit is “a sign of ignorance and disrespect, and beneath the dignity of the Office of the President.”

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat from Maryland said the decision by Israel to refuse entry to Tlaib and Omar is “outrageous” and “wrong.” He urged Israel to reconsider.

Hoyer had just returned from visiting the region with a congressional delegation and took the lead for House leadership on the issue. He had earlier secured a statement from Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer assuring that no member of Congress would be denied entry, according to an aide unauthorized to discuss the private talks. The aide was granted anonymity.

Top ranking Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York said Israel’s decision on Omar and Tlaib was a sign of weakness instead of strength and “will only hurt the U.S.-Israeli relationship and support for Israel in America.”

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A close freshman colleague of the two lawmakers, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, said Israel’s move is “bigoted, short sighted and cruel.”

Israel announced its decision shortly after President Donald Trump tweeted that it would “show great weakness” to allow the visit.