In a striking display of diplomatic alignment, 14 U.S. Senators—both Democrat and Republican—recently posed for a photo-op with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their visit to Israel. However, their silence on a disturbing human rights incident has ignited criticism and raised questions about U.S. foreign policy consistency.
The bipartisan group included prominent names such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer , Adam Schiff, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker, and even Republican Senators like Ted Cruz , Steve Daines , and John Thune . Their visit came amid escalating violence in the occupied West Bank.
While their photo with Netanyahu symbolized unwavering support for Israel, critics point to the glaring absence of any public condemnation over the recent killing of a 19-year-old Palestinian-American, Omar Abu Jarour, who was shot dead by Israeli settlers while walking to his family’s olive farm near Nablus. The attack, confirmed by both local authorities and U.S. consular officials, has been labeled an “unprovoked settler aggression” by human rights groups.
Despite bipartisan outrage in the past over human rights violations elsewhere, not one of the 14 Senators has issued a statement regarding Abu Jarour’s death. Activists and civil rights organizations have accused the Senators of a double standard—raising concerns over China, Russia, or Iran, but turning a blind eye when alleged violations involve a U.S. ally.
“Posing with Netanyahu while remaining silent on the murder of a U.S. citizen by settlers in occupied territory is not diplomacy—it’s complicity,” said Lara Nassar, a spokesperson for the Middle East Justice Initiative. “It sends a dangerous message that some lives matter less on the geopolitical chessboard.”
The lack of response has sparked protests among Palestinian-American communities and students across U.S. campuses, who demand that elected officials hold all actors accountable—regardless of alliances.
Some observers believe the silence stems from political caution, especially as pro-Israel lobbying groups continue to hold significant sway in Washington. Others argue it reflects the U.S.’s decades-long reluctance to challenge Israel on settler violence, even when U.S. citizens are affected.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the Senate delegation’s visit will likely be remembered not for what was said—but for what was deliberately left unsaid.
