Jacky Rosen

“Senator, I feel like it’s a pretty accurate term for folks who don’t see the plank in their own eye and always want to see what’s wrong with an operation, as opposed to the historic success of preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon,” Hegseth responded, alluding to another Biblical reference. “So I stand by it.”

Rosen, who is Jewish, expressed anger over his answer, calling him an antisemite in the process.

“You stand by calling people Pharisees, sir,” she said. “I cannot. I cannot stand for that. That is wrong. It is not respectful to people. And I expect anyone who is in leadership in our country to be respectful and use respectful terms and not be an antisemite.”

The Pharisees were distinguished by their stress on upholding tradition and adhering to Jewish law during the Second Temple period. Their beliefs clashed with those of Jesus, who frequently accused them of hypocrisy and of sacrificing inward piety for the sake of outward appearance. According to the Christian Gospels, their feud culminated in the Pharisees turning Christ over to the Roman authorities for crucifixion, securing their perception as a popular villain in Western culture.

HEGSETH SAYS WAR POWERS 60-DAY DEADLINE ON PAUSE DURING CEASEFIRE

Most modern Jews have a different perception of the Pharisees, viewing them as positive upholders of Jewish tradition.