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- Rep. Pramila Jayapal's comments on Israel caused an uproar this week in Congress.
- But progressives argue that misses the point — and discourages honest criticism of Israeli policy.
- "We never do anything constructive on this issue in Congress," said one top progressive Democrat.
When Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington referred to Israel as a "racist state" at a progressive event in Chicago on Saturday, she also spoke of the strong political headwinds that meet any lawmaker who lodges criticism of Israel, or speaks firmly about the plight of Palestinians.