Ilhan Omar accuses Netanyahu of imposing ‘Muslim ban’ as Dems decry decision to block Israel visit

By Alex Pappas | Fox News

Israel's decision to bar Reps. Tlaib, Omar draws bipartisan criticism in Congress
Tops Democrats and a few Republicans have denounced Israel's decision to block Reps Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., from entering the country for a planned visit. Israel's decision came with encouragement from President Trump, who had tweeted that it would "show great weakness" to allow them in. Omar accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of implementing his own “Muslim ban."

Ihan and Tlaib, both Muslim and outspoken critics of Israel, have expressed support for boycotts of the country. In a tweet, Tlaib ripped the decision as "a sign of weakness." Similarly, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said denying the two congresswomen entry into the country was a sign of weakness, not strength and "unbecoming of the great State of Israel." Republican Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that, “I disagree 100% with Reps. Tlaib & Omar on #Israel" but that denying them entry into the country was a "mistake."

Netanyahu said Israel stands by its decision, arguing that Tlaib and Omar have an ulterior, anti-Israel agenda. He said Israel welcomes critics with the exception of those who support boycotts of the Jewish State.

However, early Friday, the Washington Post reported that Israel would allow Democratic Rep. Tlaib to enter without Omar to visit her 90-year-old grandmother in West Bank.