Florida Representative introduces a resolution to condemn 'The Squad'

• Date: 15 June 2021
• Author: OMRI NAHMIAS
• Published date: 15 June 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Representatives Jim Banks (Indiana) and Claudia Tenney (New York) joined Waltz to introduce the resolution. "I've seen firsthand gross atrocities against women and ethnic minorities at the hands of the Taliban," Waltz said in a statement. "I've personally been fired upon by terrorists hiding behind women and children and seen the Taliban place suicide vests on teenagers," he added.

Last week, Omar tweeted: "We must have the same level of accountability and justice for all victims of crimes against humanity. We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the US, Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban."

Waltz said in his statement that: "for members of the US Congress to make equivalencies to Israel and the American military, which puts its own soldiers at risk to avoid civilian casualties, is ignorant of the facts, shameful, and should be condemned in the strongest terms." Waltz served over 24 years in the US Army including in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. He was awarded 4 Bronze Stars and 2 with valor, and he is the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress.

Tenney said in a statement that "last week, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar compared the United States and Israel to Hamas and the Taliban."

"Sadly, this is not out of character for 'The Squad,' who have made a habit of trafficking in antisemitic rhetoric," Tenney added. "Their actions have been completely unchecked by Democratic leadership in the House, even as vile attacks against Jewish Americans are rising. Enough is enough. Antisemitism has no place in Congress or the Democratic Party."

Last week, the House Democratic leadership: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, and others, issued a joint statement addressing comments made by Omar.

"Legitimate criticism of the policies of both the United States and Israel is protected by the values of...