Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia recently made headlines for her comments on Israel, specifically accusing the country of having “incredible influence” over the U.S. Congress. During an interview on the conservative radio show “The Victory Channel,” Greene slammed Israel for their lobby-funded trips that she believes puts pressure on lawmakers to support the country.
Greene, a first-term congresswoman, has been a controversial figure in Congress since being elected in 2020. She has faced criticism for her past comments supporting conspiracy theories, promoting violence and harassment, and spreading hate speech against minority groups. Her latest comments on Israel have once again sparked outrage, with many condemning her for perpetuating anti-Semitic rhetoric.
During the interview, Greene stated that she believes the U.S. should not have to “pay for anything” in regards to supporting Israel. She also accused the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobbying group, of having too much influence over Congress. Greene claimed that AIPAC-funded trips to Israel put pressure on lawmakers to support the country, saying, “we have a lot of members of Congress that are going to Israel and they want to be friends with Israel because Israel is our friend.”
These comments have been met with swift backlash from both sides of the political spectrum. Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch of Florida, who is Jewish, tweeted his disappointment with Greene’s remarks, stating, “As a Jewish Member of Congress representing thousands of Jewish constituents, I can say with confidence that Rep. Greene’s comments are disgusting, anti-Semitic, and outrageous.”
The American Jewish Committee also released a statement condemning Greene’s comments, stating, “There is no evidence that the so-called “lobbying trips” have any influence on Members of Congress regarding Israel.”
Israel has long been a contentious issue in American politics, with the country receiving significant support from both Democratic and Republican politicians. However, Greene’s comments paint a picture of Israel as a manipulative force controlling Congress, rather than a valued ally.
Many have pointed out the irony of Greene’s accusations, as she herself has been a beneficiary of AIPAC-funded trips to Israel. In 2019, she took part in a trip organized by American Israel Education Foundation, AIPAC’s educational arm, along with other freshman lawmakers. During the trip, Greene visited several holy sites and met with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This is not the first time Greene has faced backlash for her comments on Israel. In February, she faced widespread criticism for her remarks comparing mask mandates to the Holocaust, saying that “sick and evil” Democrats were treating unvaccinated people like the Jews during the Holocaust. She later apologized for her comments after visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.
Greene’s comments on Israel are not only offensive and baseless, but they also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and fuel anti-Semitic sentiments. Accusing Israel of controlling Congress through lobbying trips is a dangerous and unfounded claim that only serves to further divide and polarize Americans.
It is important to note that criticizing Israel’s policies is not the same as spewing anti-Semitic rhetoric. As a close ally and one of the strongest democracies in the Middle East, Israel should be held accountable for their actions, just like any other country. However, painting Israel as a malevolent force is not only inaccurate but also irresponsible.
Furthermore, Israel is not the only country that sponsors congressional trips. According to a report by ProPublica, the top 10 countries funding congressional trips in 2019 were China, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, Azerbaijan, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Greece, Japan, and Canada. It is common for countries to sponsor trips for lawmakers to promote cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties.
In conclusion, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s comments on Israel are baseless and divisive. Accusing Israel of controlling Congress through lobbying trips not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also undermines the longstanding partnership between the two countries. It is essential to have open and respectful discussions about Israel and its policies, rather than resorting to inflammatory and baseless accusations. As leaders, it is our responsibility to promote unity and understanding, rather than division and hate.
