In a resounding show of support for Israel, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday, proclaiming that Israel is "not a racist or apartheid state". The measure, which passed in a 412-to-nine vote with one lawmaker voting “present”, was a direct response to comments made by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who referred to Israel as a "racist state". Jayapal's remarks had sparked bipartisan outrage, leading her to subsequently apologize while also emphasizing that Israel's "extreme right-wing government has engaged in discriminatory and outright racist policies".

The resolution, introduced by Republican Congressman August Pfluger, not only affirmed the United States' unwavering support for Israel but also condemned "all forms of anti-Semitism and xenophobia". While the vote was largely symbolic, it underscored the growing determination among Israel's supporters in Congress to push back against critics of the country, who have become more visible and vocal in recent years.

However, the resolution faced criticism from Palestinian rights advocates who expressed anger towards Democratic leaders who aligned with Republicans to undermine their progressive colleagues. This controversy has deepened the divide within the Democratic Party when it comes to their stance on Israel.

Representative Pramila Jayapal, who heads a large group of progressive Democrats, issued an apology on Sunday for her initial comments, stating that she does not believe Israel as a nation is racist. However, she maintained her criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, accusing it of engaging in discriminatory and racist policies. Jayapal made her initial remarks at a conference in Chicago, where pro-Palestine protesters were causing disruptions.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his top leadership aides also issued a separate statement rebuking Jayapal's comments and affirming that "Israel is not a racist state". They clarified that while they disagree with some members of the Israeli government, as they do with U.S. House Republican lawmakers, their commitment to a safe and secure Israel as a democratic ally remains strong.

The timing of this controversy coincides with the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the United States. Herzog is set to address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, following his meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday. However, some members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus have indicated that they may not attend Herzog's address.

The House vote on the resolution, led by Republicans, is expected to pass with strong bipartisan support. House Minority Leader Steve Scalise applauded the resolution, highlighting the need to stand up against anti-Semitism. Scalise also condemned recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is set to testify before a House subcommittee, for his false claims regarding COVID-19 and certain ethnicities.

As the resolution moves forward in the House, the meeting between President Biden and President Herzog will continue to shape the narrative around U.S.-Israel relations. The controversy surrounding Jayapal's comments and the division within the Democratic Party regarding Israel further highlight the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.