Diaz-Balart Responds to Petro’s ‘Raving Antisemitism’

Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R) is sounding the alarm on Colombian President Gustavo Petro’ “raving antisemitism.’ Petro, who’s been the subject of scrutiny by Republicans, has held firm support for Palestine since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out.

Florida Republicans have denounced President Petro’s comments about Israel, but President Petro has maintained that he is not antisemitic.

In early October, President Petro took to social media to condemn Israel, accusing them of genocide. As well, he threatened to suspend relations with Israel because of this. Quickly, Republicans rushed to defend Israel, slamming President Petro for his comments.

As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, President Petro is once again commenting on the ongoing war, and Rep. Diaz-Balart is warning that President Petro’s comments are a reason why the United States is right in deferring funding for Colombia.

Taking to social media, Rep. Diaz-Balart shared that “once again Petro’s raving antisemitism is on display by posting a well-known and despicable catchphrase calling for Israel’s destruction.”

“Each time he says something hateful, I am relieved that the House SFOPS bill that I drafted deferred funding for Colombia,” he continued, adding that “sadly, Petro has failed to find the right side of almost every issue, and continues to astonish with his utter disdain for those who value democracy, human rights, and crucial alliances.”

The SFOPS bill that Rep. Diaz-Balart drafted is the FY 2024 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill. Aside from deferring funding from Colombia, the SFOPS bill also prohibits funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).