Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called Israel a racist state while addressing pro Palestinian protesters that interrupted a panel at the Netroots Nation Conference on Saturday.

Jayapal stated, “As someone who has been on the streets and taken part in many demonstrations, I would like you to know that our fight is to make it clear to the world that Israel is racist, that Palestinians deserve autonomy and self-determination, and that the dream of two states is slipping from us. It does not feel even possible.”

Jayapal continued, “I do want you all to know that there is an organized opponent on the other side. It is not the people on this stage.”

Jayapal, who was admonished for antisemitism and accused by some of making the remarks, released a statement Sunday, stating that she made them “to diffuse a tension during a panel in which fellow members of Congress are being protested.”

Jayapal said she also intended to accuse Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s Government as racist rather than Israel, saying that “words matter and it is therefore important that I clarify what I have said.” I don’t believe that the concept of Israel is racist. I do believe, however, that Netanyahu’s right-wing extreme government has engaged discriminatory and outright racism policies, and that extreme racists are driving this policy in the current leadership. It is my belief that it is our duty as people who strive to make the world more just and fair to condemn these policies, and the role of this current Netanyahu government in promoting them.

“On a human level, I also responded to the deep suffering and hopelessness of Palestinians and their Diaspora communities in this debate. “I did not intend to ignore the pain and suffering of Israelis, their Jewish diaspora, or the Holocaust. They are still reeling from the trauma caused by pogroms, persecution and the Holocaust. And the antisemitism, hate and violence against Jews that continues today.”