Ilhan Omar calls Israel defending itself against Hamas rocket attacks an ‘act of terrorism’

Minnesota Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar accused Israel of "terrorism" for responding to a rockets launched at civilian targets from the terrorist organization Hamas which controls Gaza. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union.

Omar tweeted, "Israeli air strikes killing civilians in Gaza is an act of terrorism. Palestinians deserve protection. Unlike Israel, missile defense programs, such as Iron Dome, don’t exist to protect Palestinian civilians. It’s unconscionable to not condemn these attacks on the week of Eid."

Over 160 rockets have been fired Monday into Israel while thousands of Israelis were in the streets celebrating Jerusalem Day. The rockets reached as far as Jerusalem causing the evacuation of the Knesset. Israelis in Southern Israel have been sheltering in place.

In response to the rockets, the Israelis Air Force launched retaliatory airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza killing at least 8 Hamas militants and targeted rocket launchers and other military positions. Israel warned Hamas that all options, including a ground operation, were on the table.

Omar also accused Israel committing "ethnic cleansing" on Sunday even as Hamas rockets struck Israeli homes and civilian vehicles. Rishon Lezion, Holon, Bat Yam, Rehovot, Lod and Ness Ziona have cancelled school for Tuesday. Workplaces in the Shfela region, Merkaz Hanegev region, Lachish region, Maarav Negev region, Maarav Lachish region and the Gaza border communities are only allowed to operate if there is a bomb shelter nearby.

Tensions have been building in Jerusalem and around the region during Ramadan. In response to ongoing riots and protests on the Temple Mount, Israel stationed police at the Al- Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's most sacred sites.

The Democrat Congresswoman also retweeted false claims on Friday echoing Al-Jazeera that Israelis were attacking Palestinians and ignored the rioting which precipitated the response.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "The terrorist groups in Gaza crossed a red line on the eve of Jerusalem Day, a red line, and attacked us with rockets on the outskirts of Jerusalem."

Omar has an extensive history of anti-Semitic statements and tropes as well as promoting conspiracy theories about Jews. In a now deleted tween Omar wrote "Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel. #Gaza#Palestine#Israel"

In another now deleted tweet, Omar said Jews were buying political support. "It's all about the Benjamins baby." According to the Daily Wire, in an interview earlier that year Omar suggested "that Israel should not be allowed to exist as a Jewish state, Israel is not a democracy, and compared Israel to Iran — which is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism." Omar also embraced the anti Semitic heads of the Woman’s March such as Linda Sarsour.

In February, 1,500 Orthodox rabbis called on Congress to rescind the appointment of Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-MN), to vice chair of a House foreign affairs subcommittee based on her past anti-Semitic statements and behavior.

Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel as of publishing of this article.