2024-05-04 06:23:13
The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, during his speech for Workers’ Day, announced that as of May 2, Colombia will officially break relations with Israel, describing the president of that country as a genocide.
This statement has generated a strong reaction from several US senators, who have expressed their rejection of this decision and its possible repercussions.
Senator Marco Rubio was one of the first to speak out, calling Petro’s decision a continuation of his anti-Israel rhetoric.
Rubio condemned the breakdown of a diplomatic relationship that has endured for decades, and expressed concern about the direction Colombia is taking under the leadership of what he described as “a terrorist sympathizer who wants to be the Colombian version of Hugo Chávez.”
Today the president of #Colombiaa Hamas supporter, broke diplomatic relations with #Israel
It is very sad to see that such an incredible country, of people who have suffered so much at the hands of narco-terrorists, is currently governed by a terrorist sympathizer who wants to be the…
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 1, 2024
María Elvira Salazar, another congresswoman, also harshly criticized Petro’s decision, warning of his dangerous attitude toward Jews and pointing out that this action would align Colombia with tyrannical regimes such as Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
I have warned about Petro’s dangerous attitude towards the Jews. He will now break relations with Israel, allying himself with the tyrannies of Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Like every Marxist, he diverts attention from his disastrous Government, fueling anti-Semitism.
Despicable!
— María Elvira Salazar 🇺🇸 (@MaElviraSalazar) May 1, 2024
Republican Senator Carlos Giménez denounced Petro’s decision, highlighting the importance of Israel as a strategic ally of the United States in the region and calling the measure “pathetic.”
🚨Today, Gustavo Petro has shown that he has more in common with Nicolás Maduro than with the United States.
Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and the strongest ally of #USA in the region.
From the federal Congress, we denounce your pathetic decision!
— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) May 1, 2024
Giménez compared Petro’s actions to those of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, hinting at an ideological similarity between both leaders.
Mario Díaz Balart, also a senator, attacked Petro for his past as a member of the M-19 guerrilla group, recalling the siege of the Palace of Justice in which he was involved, an event that left 94 dead. Díaz Balart questioned Petro’s credibility to criticize other leaders for alleged violence or genocide.
Petro announced Colombia will be breaking diplomatic relations with Israel due to Israel having a “genocidal president.”
Ironic coming from a person who spent ten years as a member of Colombia’s M-19 terrorist guerrilla movement, including during one of the bloodiest acts in the…
— Mario Díaz-Balart (@MarioDB) May 1, 2024
Petro’s statements have triggered a strong reaction from US congressmen, who have condemned his decision to break relations with Israel and questioned his suitability as a political leader.
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