Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson, the same representative who once feared Guam would “tip over” if too many people inhabited the island at one time, recently compared Jewish settlers in Israel to “termites.” The eccentric and delusional Congressman made the statement while speaking at an event sponsored by the anti-Israel organization “U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.”
Johnson publicly condemned Jewish settlers who he claims “take homes away from Palestinians.” Johnson also went on to compare Israel’s defense minister to Donald Trump. A spokesperson for Johnson said on Monday that he never intended to insult Jews or Israelis with his comments. Johnson has also issued an official apology to anyone he has offended.
Listen to Rep. Hank Johnson explain his irrational fear of Guam “tipping over” below:
The Democratic rep. from Georgia was speaking specifically about West Bank settlers when he made the bizarre comment. He recently returned from a trip to the area after visiting with several of his Democratic colleagues. He claims that the Jewish settlers undermine the ability of all citizens in the region to enjoy healthy, peaceful lives in safe communities. He stated:
“There has been a steady (stream), almost like termites can get into a residence and eat before you know that you’ve been eaten up and you fall in on yourself, there has been settlement activity that has marched forward with impunity and at an ever-increasing rate to the point where it has become alarming,”
Johnson then turned his tirade on Donald Trump. He went on to make a comparison between Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and the 2016 Republican presidential nominee. He said:
“The fact is the Israeli government, which is the most right-wing government ever to exist in the state of Israel in its history, the most right wing government, you got a guy like Trump who is now the minister of defense in Israel calling the shots on defense,”
Johnson claims that he is not the only Democratic congressman to hold these ideas. He didn’t name any other Democratic leaders specifically but his comparison between Trump and Lieberman received verbal praise from several other Democrats at the meeting. After some backlash from the media Johnson tweeted the following apology:
The National Jewish democratic Council responded by saying the apology was insufficient and “fell short.”
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