Rashida Tlaib's 'War Criminal' Sign Amid Netanyahu Address Raises Eyebrows

Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib sent a clear message during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address on Wednesday.

Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., and delivered a highly-anticipated speech to Congress on Wednesday. Several Democrats had voiced their opposition to Netanyahu's arrival by declaring they wouldn't attend his address. Tlaib took a different approach to protest the Israeli leader.

The Michigan lawmaker drew attention during the address when she raised signs reading "war criminal" and "guilty of genocide" throughout the speech, Newsweek reporter Alex Rouhandeh noted on X, formerly Twitter.

"A man in a suit, who appears to be a Capitol staff [member], whispered something in @RepRashida's ear, and she put down her side and has not been raising it since," a follow-up post from Rouhandeh said.

Newsweek reached out to Tlaib's office by phone for comment.

The signs drew the attention of attendees and elicited praise and backlash.

"Iran's useful idiot," South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace posted on X, including a photo of Tlaib displaying her sign that read "war criminal".

"Rashida Tlaib continues to be an absolute disgrace," North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis said.

Tlaib's actions drew attention outside of Congress as well.

"Rashida Tlaib is a terrorist," Lebanese-American activist Brigitte Gabriel said.

Others, however, voiced support for Tlaib's actions.

"Solidarity with @RashidaTlaib," activist and former Democratic Ohio State Senator Nina Turner said, including an emoji of a Palestinian flag, a clenched fist and a purple heart.

"Drop her a donation if you can. We need to ensure people with moral courage and backbone stay in Congress," Turner added.

Washington Post opinions journalist Rana Ayyub called Tlaib's actions "brave."

"As always, we stand with @RashidaTlaib," the Jewish Voice for Peace Action posted.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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