State Department takes indirect shot at Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib in recent policy revision

The State Department recently revised its definition of anti-Semitism in an apparent response to strong anti-Israel rhetoric from progressive lawmakers like Reps. Ilham Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

The agency's list of anti-Semitic definitions now includes "drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis." It is the 11th item on the list of definitions that, when initially publicized in May, included only 10 instances.

Adam Milstein, founder of the pro-Israel Adam and Gila Milstein Foundation, brought attention to the revised guidelines last week.

The revision was made after Omar and Tliab attempted to legitimize the anti-Israel movement known as Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS).

Last month the pair introduced legislation to restrict legislative measures that limit boycotts, a bill that was widely seen as laying the foundation to promote the BDS movement in the U.S.

Speaking from the House floor, Tlaib attempted to justify the BDS movement by invoking the American boycott of Nazi Germany.

"Americans boycotted Nazi Germany in response to dehumanization, imprisonment, and genocide of Jewish people," Tlaib said.

In response, the House overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning the BDS movement. The vote was 398-17.