US Democrat Jayapal Faces Backlash for Calling Israel 'Racist'

Representative Pramila Jayapal, leader of a group of progressive Democrats, apologized for calling Israel a racist state, clarifying that she does not believe the idea of Israel as a nation is racist but criticizes the discriminatory policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his aides issued a statement asserting that "Israel is not a racist state" but acknowledged disagreements with certain members of the Israeli government. The controversy arises as Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to address Congress, with some members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus considering not attending the event. Jayapal expressed support for a two-state solution but criticized Israel's expansion of settlements in disputed areas.