U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell set off a wave of criticism for seeming to defend terrorists with a social media post condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The California Democrat was reacting to a report that Netanyahu acknowledged an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah was a “tragic mishap” that reportedly killed at least 45 people.

While two senior militants were killed in the Sunday airstrike on a Hamas terrorist compound by Israel’s military, civilians who were camped in the area were also reportedly killed.

“Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mishap,” Netanyahu said to Israel’s parliament on Monday. “We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.”

Swalwell joined the chorus of leftist outrage by blasting the prime minister’s “reckless” attack on the terrorist group that was responsible for the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis in the October 7 attack.

“Netanayhu’s reckless prosecution of Hamas has killed Israeli hostages, aid workers, and innocent Palestinians,” he wrote in a post on X.

“And nothing changes. The same tactics by the same leaders will only produce same or worse results,” he added.

Netanayhu’s reckless prosecution of Hamas has killed Israeli hostages, aid workers, and innocent Palestinians. And nothing changes. The same tactics by the same leaders will only produce same or worse results. https://t.co/NQYBaf4l1D

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) May 27, 2024

But Swalwell’s grandstanding was not the fiery takedown he thought it was as X users soon took him to the woodshed.

Many had to remind the lawmakers that Netanyahu was looking to “persecute” and not “prosecute” the terrorists.

I think the word you’re looking for is “persecution”. But yeah, war is hell Eric and it was Hamas that took hostages and put them and civilians in harms way not Netanyahu. You’re taking the side of terrorists

Funny I don’t see a single post from you demanding Hamas release…

— LynyrdsMom (@Lynyrds_Mom) May 27, 2024

Other X users blasted Swalwell for defending the hostage-takers rather than the forces attempting to free them.

Hamas still holding hostages gives Israel the right to fight in Gaza.
You can’t hold my children and ask me not to look for them.

— Freedompedia (@freedompedia) May 27, 2024

Hamas could release the remaining hostages and surrender. Why don’t you terrorist sympathizers ever mention that part?

— Kelkat (@Tweetytweeter63) May 28, 2024

You are an awful human being supporting a group that hides among civilian and raped and killed children.

— Just A (@TheycallmejustA) May 28, 2024

You are giving ammunition to Hamas who is using human shields.
Shame on you.

— Chris C (@mrfudd0) May 27, 2024

Palestinians support Hamas. Not surprised in the least that you are siding with Hamas. Democrats are the party of antisemitism.

— Lady Liberty (@WeDidItOnce) May 28, 2024

Hamas leaders started this war and then used Palestinians as human shields hoping you would push this narrative. It worked.

— Wíñchéstër Cölt (@scorpio8675309) May 27, 2024

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Frieda Powers

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Frieda@bizpacreview.com

Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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