Friedman, addressing Tlaib directly, questioned her stance on Israel’s right to exist and accused her of being a “virulent antisemite.” He challenged her to clarify whether Israel has the right to exist, suggesting that if she denies this right, she should leave Congress as a “treasonous Jew hater.” Alternatively, if she acknowledges Israel’s right to exist, Friedman called on her to explain how Israel can coexist with Hamas on its border.
The former ambassador argued that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is complicated, emphasizing that Israel is striving to avoid civilian casualties while Hamas incorporates dead Palestinian children into its military strategy.
Friedman concluded his remarks by urging Tlaib to either condemn Hamas or leave the country and join them. Tlaib responded to the censure on social media, expressing frustration that her colleagues were attempting to silence her. She accused those who voted for the resolution of distorting her positions and criticized them for not caring about Palestinian lives.
Tlaib reiterated her call for a mutual ceasefire, the release of hostages, humanitarian aid delivery, and the return of Americans. She emphasized her commitment to working for a just and lasting peace that upholds human rights and the dignity of all people.
In response to Tlaib’s perspective, Friedman countered that her viewpoint creates an equivalency between ruthless murderers, rapists, and baby killers and those confronting them. He expressed the opinion that such a perspective is not needed at this time and adds insult to injury in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
