UPDATE - US: Ilhan Omar apologizes over anti-Israel remarks

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By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. congresswoman Ilhan Omar apologized Monday for remarks criticized as "anti-Semitic" by a chorus of parties, including fellow Democrats.

"We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize," Omar said in a statement posted to Twitter.

"At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry," she added.

Omar, who along with Rashida Tlaib is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, on Sunday said some congressional support for Israel is firmly rooted in political donations from pro-Israel groups, most prominent among them the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC.

"It's all about the Benjamins baby