(Newser) – Bill Maher has weighed in on the controversy over Israel's decision to bar two congresswomen from visiting that nation—and he's not on the side of the two congresswomen. In the latest episode of his HBO show, Maher called the boycott of Israel supported by Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib a "bull---- purity test for Democrats," reports the Hill. “It’s predicated on this notion, I think—it’s very shallow thinking—that the Jews in Israel, mostly white, and the Palestinians are browner, so they must be innocent and correct, and the Jews must be wrong. As if the occupation came right out of the blue, that this completely peaceful people found themselves occupied," he said. Tlaib, who represents Michigan, already has shot back.

"Maybe folks should boycott his show," she tweeted. "I am tired of folks discrediting a form of speech that is centered on equality and freedom. This is exactly how they tried to discredit & stop the boycott to stand up against the apartheid in S. Africa. It didn't work then and it won't now." Israel's argument is that supporters of the boycott are in effect supporting the destruction of the Israeli state and therefore they have the right to bar them. Maher also made reference to controversial comments previously made by Omar. She "has said things like, 'It’s all about the Benjamins,' 'Israel has hypnotized the world,' 'May Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel,' " Maher said. "She apologized for it, but it’s out there: Jews control the world, control the money," he said, adding of the lawmakers: "I can see why they don’t get a hero’s welcome." (Read more Bill Maher stories.)

