When Does Criticism of Israel Cross Into Anti-Semitism?

Several incoming Democrats were elected due to their support for ideas popular with the Democratic Party’s more progressive base — including increased criticism of Israel. Some liberals believe that the treatment of those residing within the West Bank by America’s strongest ally in the Middle East has been deeply concerning for decades. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s staunch support for the Trump administration has caused some on the left to fear that the Israeli government could be growing increasingly conservative.

But a recent tweet from Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) — one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress — is the latest example of how some of the newest members of Congress are struggling to criticize Israel without incurring condemnation and accusations of anti-Semitism.