Israeli Politician: 'I'd Consider Meeting Tlaib, Omar'

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THE RUNDOWN | Netanyahu decided weeks ago he would allow Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib into Israel, both of whom have been openly critical of Israel. How do other Israeli politicians feel about it? Likud party member and former mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat discusses with hosts Nurit Ben and Calev Ben-David.  

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Israeli Member of Parliament (Likud) and former mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat spoke with i24News on Tuesday evening that he would be open to meeting US Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) if they were willing to "learn and listen."

The controversial US Reps., who have been outspoken critics of the Israeli government and supporters of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanction) movement, are reportedly planning a trip to Israel and the West Bank later this month.

Barkat told i24News that he would welcome the lawmakers but not if "they come with their opinion and create propaganda or make havoc in our country."

"If I would be convinced that they came to listen and learn in how this country works, how Jerusalem works, how our political system works," Barkat continued, "I would consider it... convincing people that (Israel's) path is the right path is the high road I think we should take."

Barkat was also pressed on his thoughts over a growing concern that Israel is becoming more of a partisan issue in America, especially during the era of the Trump administration.

"Yes, I am concerned about the fact that (Israel) could be partisan. We have to consider and make efforts to work (in a bipartisan way)... I speak to Democrats and Republicans, my door is always open to both sides."

"We may not agree on ideology," Barkat added, "and we agree on Trump's international approach... however we must find a wide common denominator - similarly in the way we must do in (Israel)."

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