WASHINGTON

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) accused Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday of promoting “anti-Muslim hysteria” and advancing policies that serve the interests of Israel rather than Texans.

"Greg Abbott is an Israel First politician who has spent months stoking anti-Muslim hysteria to smear American Muslims critical of the Israeli government. Although we are flattered by his obsession with our civil rights group, his defamatory proclamation has no basis in fact or law," CAIR, the largest Muslim civil liberties organization in the US, said in a statement.

It came after Abbott designated the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as "foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations."

"Unlike Mr. Abbott--who unleashed violence against Texas students protesting the Gaza genocide to satisfy his AIPAC donors--our civil rights organization is an independent voice that answers to the American people, relies on support from the American people, and opposes all forms of unjust violence, including hate crimes, ethnic cleansing, genocide and terrorism," said CAIR.

CAIR said it has "successfully" sued Abbott three times for unconstitutional efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian speech and activism in the state. The organization signaled it is prepared to challenge the governor again if he attempts to convert his latest criticisms into state policy.

"We are ready to sue him again if he attempts to turn this publicity stunt into real policy. See you in court again, Greg ... if you dare," it added.