As tension rises in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine, Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) has made it a priority to meet with Israeli leadership concerning economic and strategic relationship between Israel and the United States.
In a statement, Senator Scott commented that as he continues “to travel Israel, the contrast could not be more clear.”
Specifically, Scott noted that “Israel is a vibrant democracy that supports capitalism, champions human rights and holds free and open elections.”
In contract, Scott explained that “Palestine had their last election for president in 2005, refuses to hold open and free elections, and fails to champion human rights.”
So, the Florida Senator stressed that “the United States must always align with those fighting for freedom and democracy, and stand up against those that do not respect human rights.”
Both Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister and President Trump have maintained a good relationship as world leaders, and some comment that the relationship between both countries has only strengthened due to that relationship.
Most recently, lawmakers were at odds after Israel banned Democratic congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.
In South Florida, Senator Scott and Senator Marco Rubio (R) were split regarding the decision with Rubio voicing his disapproval of it and Scott voicing his support for the decision.
Rep. Tlaib was eventually granted permission to visit her family in the West Bank, but she ultimately declined because “oppressive conditions meant to humiliate me would break my grandmother’s heart.”
To this, Aryeh Deri, Israel’s Interior Minister, commented that Rep. Tlaib’s “hate for Israel overcomes her love for her grandmother” in canceling her trip.
