Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a statement countering Jayapal's remarks, asserting that "Israel is not a racist state." While they acknowledged disagreements with certain members of the Israeli government, they emphasized the enduring special relationship between the United States and Israel.
Several Jewish House members, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Greg Landsman, Brad Schneider, Dean Phillips, Jared Moskowitz, and Kathy Manning, also expressed their disapproval of Jayapal's comments in a letter. They deemed her remarks "unacceptable" and emphasized that Israel is the legitimate homeland of the Jewish people. The letter further stated that efforts to delegitimize and demonize Israel are not only dangerous and antisemitic but also undermine America's national security. The members vowed to prevent anti-Zionist voices from hijacking the Democratic Party and the country.
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Rep. Adam Schiff defended Israel in response to Jayapal's words, stating on Twitter that Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East and is not a racist state. He highlighted the constant attacks and terrorism faced by Israel and emphasized its status as a key U.S. ally. Schiff called for working towards a two-state solution and lasting peace, rather than denigrating an entire state and its people.
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Jayapal, who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, faced widespread criticism after referring to Israel as a "racist state" during a panel discussion at the Netroots Nation Conference. She later retracted the comment, clarifying that she does not believe the idea of Israel as a nation is racist but accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of promoting "outright racist policies." Jayapal expressed her commitment to a two-state solution and acknowledged the difficulties faced by Palestinians due to settlement expansion and discriminatory policies.
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The controversy arises as some Democrats in the House plan to boycott Israeli President Isaac Herzog's address to a joint session of Congress. Rep. Ilhan Omar stated on Twitter that she would not attend, and Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also announced their boycott. Jayapal has not made a final decision regarding her attendance.
President Herzog, who assumed office in 2021, is scheduled to address Congress on July 19. His visit coincides with the celebration of 75 years since the founding of Israel, which was observed in April.
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