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Ever since the news of the incredible invite to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the US Congress arrived, it has sparked an intense and furious response. The ire, it seems, is primarily being echoed in the corridors of the ‘Squad’ Democrats.
‘Squad’ is a term popularly used to refer to the four women who gained noteworthy prominence in 2018 as the newly elected Congress members. This cohort, comprising Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, is known for their progressive ideologies and vocal criticism of injustice across institutions.
Reacting to the news, these outspoken Democrats didn’t mince words when expressing their disappointment and outrage. They said, Netanyahu’s invite to Congress was a controversial decision, as complicated by the fact that the former Israeli Premier carries a stark accusation of being a war criminal.
Their major contention stems from his handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During his stint as the Prime Minister, Netanyahu’s actions were often mired in controversy which, according to international human rights organizations, resulted in a disproportionate toll on Palestinian civilians, thus, earning him the tag of an accused war criminal.
Ocasio-Cortez, famed for her intense defense of human rights, termed the Congressional invite as a mockery of justice. She argued that it sends a wrong message to the international community, thereby perpetuating oppression and ignoring the cause of Palestinians.
Omar, solidly echoing her cohort’s sentiments, highlighted the need for America to voice against war crimes irrespective of the perpetrators. According to her, Congress inviting Netanyahu was tantamount to legitimizing his supposed war crimes committed during his time in office.
Pressley, not known for holding back her views, profoundly displayed her disdain against the decision. She emphasized the necessity of the US deciding with whom it wishes to align, especially against the backdrop of accusations relating to gross human rights abuse.
The sentiments of Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, can be considered the fiercest among the ‘Squad’. Her personal connection to the issue undeniably intensifies her criticism.
The collective outcry of these ‘Squad’ Democrats, though an expected response, illustrates a growing chasm within the Democratic party. The old school largely supports traditional alliances such as with Israel, while the emerging, progressive wing is openly challenging these historical relations based on human rights grounds.
Regardless of these divides, the vocal resonance of ‘Squad’ Democrats on the issue cannot be overlooked. Their criticism is a testament to the contrasting philosophies within American politics on formulating foreign policy and choosing its allies. It also serves to shed light on the very real, and often controversial, political and moral complexities that define the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
