Just two House members did not vote in favor of a resolution supporting Israel's right to exist.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) voted no while Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) voted present in the Tuesday vote.
Just 2 House members did not vote in favor of a resolution affirming Israel's right to exist https://t.co/7LhfWar6Rp
— Insider News (@InsiderNews) November 29, 2023
"In a statement, Tlaib argued that the resolution 'ignores the existence of the Palestinian people' and 'brings us no closer to peaceful coexistence,'" according to Business Insider.
"The resolution also states that 'denying Israel's right to exist is a form of antisemitism' — which Massie took issue with," it added.
I agree with the title “Reaffirming the State of Israel’s Right to Exist” and much of the language, but I’m voting No on the resolution because it equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Antisemitism is deplorable, but expanding it to include criticism of Israel is not helpful. pic.twitter.com/YWBDKDCGZB
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) November 29, 2023
"I agree with the title 'Reaffirming the State of Israel’s Right to Exist' and much of the language, but I’m voting No on the resolution because it equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism," Massied posted to X.
"Antisemitism is deplorable, but expanding it to include criticism of Israel is not helpful," he continued.
Massie Votes No, Tlaib Present On Near-Unanimous Resolution Reaffirming Israel's Right To Existhttps://t.co/VEiHRBkRkl
— Breaking News (@XPoliticalNews) November 29, 2023
“Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live with democracy, safety, peace and human dignity. This resolution that ignores the existence of the Palestinian people brings us no closer to peaceful coexistence,” Tlaib stated.
“Israel does not have a right to carry out illegal occupation and apartheid—which will never lead to a just and lasting peace,” she added. “Unfortunately, this resolution is a one-sided attempt to rewrite history.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced the resolution that sought to express increased support for Israel and condemn antisemitism following increased incidents after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas in Israel.
Hamas terrorists killed over 1,400 Israelis, taking more than 240 hostages in Gaza. Over 30 Americans were also killed, with 10 hostages taken. At least one American hostage and several Israeli hostages have recently been released in hostage swaps with Israel.
The resolution sent a clear signal of American support to Israel but also revealed concerns by two lawmakers dissenting in the matter that has taken national prominence following the recent war in the Middle East.
