Senator Tim Scott has joined the ranks of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to express his disapproval of President Donald Trump’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Tuesday, the South Carolina Republican issued a statement on Twitter stating that such language is “terrible” and “not helpful.”
“I’m deeply saddened to hear the president’s comments about the Israeli Prime Minister,” Sen. Scott said. “They are not what we expect from a leader of the free world. Such language is terrible and not helpful in any way.”
President Trump has recently come under fire for his criticism of Netanyahu, particularly in light of the US-brokered deal that has normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The conflict between Israel and the United Arab Emirates has been going on for decades, so the move was a diplomatic breakthrough that both countries welcomed.
But, President Trump has taken issue with the fact that Netanyahu was not at the official signing ceremony, and has called the Prime Minister “very bad for peace” and a “disaster” for relations between the two countries.
Scott’s response follows similar criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) called the president’s language “inappropriate and wrong”; while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that “Israel is a country we should be celebrating for its achievements and for its courage.”
The level of criticism directed towards President Trump’s statement has grown in recent days, and it appears that Sen. Scott’s criticism has only amplified it. The South Carolina Congressman has long been a strong advocate for strengthening ties with Israel, and his comments show that he will not standby quietly while President Trump’s threatening rhetoric continues.
As tension between the United States and Israel continues to rise, Sen. Scott’s words will no doubt be echoed by many more US lawmakers in the days and weeks to come. Having a popular congressman from a key political swing state speak out against the president’s actions sends a powerful message that this type of language is unacceptable.