The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning a pro-Palestinian activist chant as antisemitic. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., aimed to formally criticize the use of the phrase 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.' The resolution passed in a 377 to 44 vote, with 43 Democrats and one Republican voting against it.
The issue surrounding Israel has once again highlighted the divide within the Democratic Party, with progressives like Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, and House Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal voting against the resolution.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was the sole Republican who voted against the measure. This resolution is part of a series of 17 measures introduced by House Republican leaders this week to affirm support for Israel and condemn Iran following a recent barrage of airstrikes launched by Iran.
The tensions in the Middle East escalated significantly as Tehran launched an attack on Israel from its own soil for the first time. Israel reported intercepting 99% of the rockets launched. The phrase 'From the river to the sea' has been associated with pro-Palestinian liberation movements and has been used by anti-Israel groups like Hamas.
Rep. Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, faced criticism last November for her use of the phrase in a social media video. Despite bipartisan backlash, Tlaib defended her use of the phrase, stating that it symbolizes an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence.
The resolution's passage underscores the ongoing complexities and divisions in U.S. politics regarding issues related to Israel and Palestine.
