House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Michael McCaul Michael Thomas McCaulHouse passes legislation to crack down on business with companies that utilize China's forced labor House Republicans blame Chinese cover-up for coronavirus pandemic Engel subpoenas US global media chief Michael Pack MORE (R-Texas) on Thursday reportedly criticized Israel's decision to block Reps. Rashida Tlaib Rashida Harbi TlaibTrump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' George Conway: 'Trump is like a practical joke that got out of hand' Pelosi endorses Kennedy in Massachusetts Senate primary challenge MORE (D-Mich.) and 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.) from visiting the country.

"Israel is a U.S. ally and a thriving bastion of democracy and hope for freedom-loving people of the world. It would benefit all of us for Reps. Tlaib and Omar to see that firsthand," McCaul said, per Reuters's Patricia Zengerle.

Here's top House Foreign Affairs Republican, @RepMcCaul: "Israel is a U.S. ally and a thriving bastion of democracy and hope for freedom-loving people of the world. It would benefit all of us for Reps. Tlaib and Omar to see that firsthand.” — Patricia Zengerle (@ReutersZengerle) August 15, 2019

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Benjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE on Thursday announced that Tlaib and Omar would not be able to enter the country for a planned visit this weekend because of their previous comments critical of Israel.

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The decision to block the first two Muslim women elected to Congress was announced moments after President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE tweeted that it would show "great weakness" for Israel to allow the pair into the country, calling them a “disgrace.”

Tlaib and Omar have been vocal advocates of Palestinian rights and have backed the movement to boycott Israel.

The decision to block their trip has been met with universal condemnation by Democrats, as well as a handful of Republicans, including Sens. Marco Rubio Marco Antonio RubioGOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power McConnell pushes back on Trump: 'There will be an orderly transition' Graham vows GOP will accept election results after Trump comments MORE (Fla.) and Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Billionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden Credit union group to spend million on Senate, House races MORE (Maine).

Other Republicans, including Sens. Lindsey Graham Lindsey Olin GrahamSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Key Democrat opposes GOP Section 230 subpoena for Facebook, Twitter, Google MORE (S.C.) and Rick Scott (Fla.), have defended the decision, arguing that Tlaib and Omar have made irredeemable comments about both Israel and Jewish people more broadly.