A Republican congressman is showing his support for Israel with his choice of clothing.
On Friday, Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) was seen wearing the uniform of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
One reporter asked, “What’s with your threads today? Can you tell us anything about those?”
“Tlaib’s got her flag, I got my uniform,” Mast responded.
Watch the video below:
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), who is the only Representative to serve in the US Army and Israeli Defense Forces told reporters: "Tlaib's got her flag; I've got my uniform." pic.twitter.com/31m5whjEk3
— CSPAN (@cspan) October 13, 2023
Mast’s congressional biography noted he served in the U.S. Army for 12 years and was awarded the Purple Heart.
While serving in a bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan, he lost both of his legs due to an improvised explosive device.
His bio then noted Mast “volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.”
And CSPAN pointed out he is the only representative in Congress to have served in the U.S. Army and the IDF.
Mast’s comment refers to Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian American member of Congress, decision to have a Palestinian flag outside her office in the Capitol. The Washington Examiner noted the flag has been outside her office for the majority of the year.
The Florida congressman’s decision to wear his uniform comes as Israel is conducting strikes in the Gaza Strip following Hamas’ surprise attack last weekend.
Israeli officials said at least 1,300 people were killed in the attack, and over 3,000 have been injured. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 1,799 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 have been injured.