Sen. Doug Jones: US-Israel Relations Being Weaponized

Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., said U.S.-Israel relations are being used as a "political weapon."

Jones made his remarks Wednesday during an address in Birmingham, Alabama, according to AL.com.

"I'm concerned the relationship with Israel is beginning to see some cracks for political reasons," Jones said. "What I'm seeing is that the relationship with Israel is now being used as a political weapon to try to divide people for political gain. It's happening here, and it's happening in Israel. Our alliance is too important to allow that to happen."

Jones' comments came after Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., were initially blocked from visiting Israel. President Donald Trump has strongly defended Israel's decision to prevent them from visiting.

Jones maintained the "foundations of the U.S.-Israeli relationship are strong, it's bi-partisan, and it's going to remain strong."

But he noted "certain members of Congress" say things he and other members of the Democratic caucus do not support.

"I don't agree with a lot of their views on Israel, but having said that, they're entitled to their views," he said, referring to Omar and Tlaib. "When members of Congress are denied the right to go and visit with other members ... you have to go and defend those people," Jones said.

• Foxman Calls Trump Disloyalty Claim 'Outrageous'
• McSally: Tlaib, Omar Should 'Stop Playing Theater' on Israel