New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio (D) criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar Ilhan OmarOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' Democrats scramble on COVID-19 relief amid division, Trump surprise MORE (D-Minn.) on Thursday for her recent remarks about Israel, saying that they were associated with a "long anti-Semitic tradition."

Omar sparked a firestorm by suggesting that American supporters of Israel have an "allegiance to a foreign country."

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“Let me be really clear, suggesting that support for Israel is beholden to a foreign power is absolutely unacceptable — and it’s illogical too,” De Blasio said, according to the New York Post at a press conference. “I believe strongly in the state of Israel. I don’t feel beholden one bit to a foreign power. I’m a proud American who believes in the state of Israel and believes it must exist."

“Unfortunately, it aligns with a history — for centuries — of that kind of negative comment being thrown at the Jewish community,” de Blasio added referring to the anti-Semitic accusations that supporters of Israel hold a "dual loyalty." “There’s a long anti-Semitic tradition associated with that kind of comment.”

"I happen to be Italian-American. I never heard anyone suggest that because of my pride in my ancestral homeland I’m beholden to a foreign government. It’s a really inappropriate comment," the mayor added, according to the Post.

Omar faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans over a tweet she sent responding to Rep. Nita Lowey Nita Sue LoweyTop House Democrats call for watchdog probe into Pompeo's Jerusalem speech With Biden, advocates sense momentum for lifting abortion funding ban Progressives look to flex their muscle in next Congress after primary wins MORE (D-N.Y.), who had accused Omar of making statements that "mischaracterize support for Israel."

"Our democracy is built on debate, Congresswoman! I should not be expected to have allegiance/pledge support to a foreign country in order to serve my country in Congress or serve on committee. The people of the 5th elected me to serve their interest. I am sure we agree on that!" Omar responded, adding in a second tweet: "I have not mischaracterized our relationship with Israel, I have questioned it and that has been clear from my end."

I have not mischaracterized our relationship with Israel, I have questioned it and that has been clear from my end. — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 3, 2019

The controversy has taken center stage in the House this week. House lawmakers are expected to vote on a resolution broadly condemning hate on Thursday. The resolution does not mention Omar by name.

An initial draft of the resolution had focused on anti-Semitism, but many liberal lawmakers rushed to Omar's defense, arguing that she had being unfairly singled out and calling for the language to be broadened to also cover Islamophobia.