The relocation of the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was a celebration and a win for many, but others saw it as a controversial move. By relocating this key facility, the US officially recognized the holy city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
“We extend a hand in friendship to Israel, Palestinians and all their neighbors,” said President Trump during opening ceremonies. “May there be peace.”
Both the Israeli populace and the government are celebrating this move and the support of the United States, but others are not so happy. Over on CNN, the headlines include terms like “highly controversial” and “non-bipartisan” — and complaining this move is a slight to Palestinians.
Liberal scorn for Trump’s move was painfully obvious when it was time to formally open the new embassy.
One of CNN’s leading headlines had nothing to do with the relocation of the embassy and everything to do with who attended. While Republicans like Ted Cruz, Mike Lee and Lindsey Graham made the trip, not a single Democrat showed up, despite being invited and expected.
“I am disappointed that not one Democrat came. What does that say?” said Lindsey Graham (R-SC). “I think it was a mistake, because there’s too much going on in this region.”
While their Democrat colleagues failed to show up in Israel, Republicans did attend; a delegation of four senators, including Ted Cruz, were on hand for the grand opening. All present expressed disappointment at the lack of support from the Democratic side of the aisle. The visit to Israel was open to all Congress members and senators and any could have attended.
“Any member of Congress could have come here as part of the delegation,” Sen. Cruz said. “All 435 House members could have come. All 100 senators. There was no administration invitation. There was no one in the White House deciding we won’t ask those Congressmen to come.”
In addition to Cruz and Graham, South Carolina congressman Joe Wilson brought a group of 10 Republican colleagues to Israel as well. Wilson’s visit was also open to any member of Congress wishing to attend. While CNN and other news outlets noted the disparity in the guests, the US “It is worrisome that the fallout of president Obama’s Iran deal is that more and more we’re seeing a divide among partisan lines. It’s not good for Israel, it’s not good for America.”
Some Democratic members of Congress mentioned that those who did not attend the ceremony could have had other commitments and been unable to attend because of scheduling reason. Of the 435 members of congress only a handful chose to attend, all GOP members. The rest cited excuses ranging from “too busy” to “not personally invited” and “scheduling conflict” to avoid attending the historic event.
Traditionally, United States support for Israel has been a bipartisan issue, uniting the parties instead of dividing them. Independent Joe Lieberman is a key player in the movement of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“Over the years, there has been tremendous bipartisan support for moving the embassy to Jerusalem,” said Lieberman. “I’m confident it’s going to stay that way. The fact that there are no Democrats here from Congress is kind of aberration, but I think you’re going to find us to go through this year and in the future there will be a continuation of bipartisan support in Congress for the US-Israel relationship and Israel.”
By avoiding the embassy’s move to Israel, Democrats clearly relayed their feelings about the change and the way the USA interacts with Israel and Palestine. President Trump clearly supported the move and was on hand to help celebrate the occasion and provide inspiration for the Israeli and American people.
~ Liberty Planet
