A South Florida site backed out of hosting a rally with Democratic US Representative Rashida Tlaib, a vocal critic of Israel's government, after complaints by a Democratic state lawmaker in the party's latest flashpoint over its stance on Israel.

Tlaib, the first Palestinian American member of Congress, was scheduled to appear on Friday at a rally for three candidates in Florida's upcoming Democratic Party primary.

However, The Venue Fort Lauderdale, which was scheduled to host the event, suddenly cancelled it after State Representative Michael Gottlieb, chairman of the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus, posted a statement on Thursday calling the planned rally an "anti-Jew" gathering.

Tlaib has condemned antisemitism and says criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and its attacks in Gaza and Lebanon is not antisemitic.

The Venue in a statement cited "increased security concerns" for its decision and said it is Jewish-owned and "our values and commitment to the Jewish community are deeply important to us." (Reporting by Reuters)