Congressional leaders condemn progressive Rep. Jayapal for calling Israel a ‘racist state’

A progressive U.S. representative made controversial statements about Israel days before the country’s president, Isaac Herzog, is set to address Congress. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, later backtracked on her characterization of Israel as a “racist state.” “Words do matter and so it is important that I clarify my statement,” she said in an apology issued Sunday. “I do not believe the idea of Israel as a nation is racist.” “I do, however, believe that (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s) extreme right-wing government has engaged in...