Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., has criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., for her rhetoric on Israel and accused The New York Times of bias in a report on the conflict in Israel and Gaza that failed to interview him.
Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., has launched a scathing attack on fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar over her stance on Israel and accused The New York Times of bias in its coverage of the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Torres' criticism of Omar stems from a recent interview on CNN, where he took issue with her comments on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Omar has been a vocal critic of Israel and has accused the United States of providing it with unconditional support.
Rep. Ritchie Torres Calls Out Dem Colleague Ilhan Omar and New York Times for Anti-Israel Bias
"Ilhan Omar's rhetoric on Israel is dangerous and divisive," Torres said. "She is promoting a narrative that is not based in reality and that serves only to fuel anti-Semitism."
Torres also lashed out at The New York Times for a report titled "The Gaza War Is Dividing the L.G.B.T.Q. Community," which he said focused on pro-Israel voices but failed to interview him for the story.
Rep. Ritchie Torres Calls Out Dem Colleague Ilhan Omar and New York Times for Anti-Israel Bias
"The author of The NY Times piece — who never bothered to interview me— had a sensational narrative in mind (a divided LGBTQ community!) and found a few quotes from a few fringe figures to confirm the story he wishes to tell," Torres wrote on Twitter.
The Times did interview pro-Palestinian activists for the story, including Jason Rosenberg, who criticized Torres for his support of Israel.
Rep. Ritchie Torres Calls Out Dem Colleague Ilhan Omar and New York Times for Anti-Israel Bias
Torres responded by accusing Rosenberg of "celebrating" the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, sharing a screenshot of a social media post by Rosenberg.
"Although he interviews Jason Rosenberg, who has been caught celebrating October 7th, the author couldn't be bothered to interview the sitting Congressman who is the very subject of the article. Bias," Torres wrote.
Rep. Ritchie Torres Calls Out Dem Colleague Ilhan Omar and New York Times for Anti-Israel Bias
The New York Times did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Torres has been a vocal supporter of Israel and has repeatedly criticized the media for its coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has also accused progressive Democrats of being too critical of Israel.
Torres' criticism of Omar and the New York Times is likely to further divide the Democratic Party on the issue of Israel.
