Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) ignited backlash Tuesday night after referring to Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) as a “Muslim terrorist” in a social media post, escalating tensions amid ongoing debates over U.S. support for Israel.
The remark came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited President Donald Trump in Washington for the third time this year. The visit followed joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and heightened concerns over regional instability stemming from the war in Gaza.
Omar, known for her vocal criticism of Israel’s military actions, responded on X (formerly Twitter):
“This is Benjamin Netanyahu’s third visit to DC this year. War criminals should not be welcomed by any president or Congress. He should be held accountable for his crimes, not platformed. Beyond shameful.”
In May, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, then-Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a former Hamas commander, citing war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict.
Fine, a vocal pro-Israel advocate and newly elected congressman, fired back.
“I’m sure it is difficult to see us welcome the killer of so many of your fellow Muslim terrorists,” he wrote. “The only shame is that you serve in Congress.”
The comment drew immediate attention, not only for its inflammatory tone but also for its pattern. In November, Fine posted another controversial tweet aimed at Omar and fellow Muslim lawmaker Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), warning them, “The ‘Hebrew Hammer’ is coming,” and suggesting they “consider leaving.” He included the hashtag #BombsAway.
Fine’s aggressive rhetoric has sparked criticism even within his own party. Shortly after his special election win in April, CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins confronted him with a clip of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis offering blunt criticism.
“He repels people,” DeSantis said. “I think the turnout was really good because of President Trump’s support. People didn’t like Randy Fine—but they voted to help Trump.”
Despite internal party tension, Fine’s hardline approach has made him a prominent—if divisive—figure in GOP circles, especially on issues related to Israel and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
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