Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress on July 24, amidst rising tensions between his government and Democratic lawmakers over the handling of the Gaza war. The controversy surrounding his visit is unlikely to be smoothed over, as many Democrats are torn between their long-standing support for Israel and their growing concerns about the country’s military operations in the region. The number of absences is likely to be higher this time around, echoing the widespread opposition from Democratic lawmakers during his previous address to the US Congress in 2015.
The war in Gaza has had a devastating impact on many, with over 37,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the Hamas attack on October 7 that triggered the war. This staggering figure has led many Democrats to question Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, with some expressing disappointment and others boycotting the event altogether. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has been particularly vocal in her criticism, saying that Netanyahu should prioritize what is right for Israel and that his actions will only invite more discontent among Democrats.
Tensions between Netanyahu and Democratic President Joe Biden have been escalating, with Netanyahu accusing the administration of withholding US weapons from Israel – a claim that the administration has denied. Despite the controversy, Netanyahu remains confident, stating that he was “very moved” by the invitation and looks forward to presenting “the truth about the war to the representatives of the American people and the entire world.” Some Democrats, including Rep. Gregory Meeks and Sen. Ben Cardin, have announced their intention to attend, emphasizing their support for Israel and their desire to hear Netanyahu’s perspective.
Benjamin Netanyahu (Via Benjamin Netanyahu/Twitter)
Others, such as Rep. Seth Magaziner and Rep. Don Beyer, have taken a stand, citing their concerns about Netanyahu’s actions and choosing to boycott the event instead. The controversy has also led to the planning of an alternative event, with Rep. Jim Clyburn announcing plans to bring together “like-minded” people to discuss a path forward for Israelis and Palestinians that includes a two-state solution. As the controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s visit continues to simmer, it is clear that his event has become a divisive one, with many Democrats torn between their support for Israel and their disagreements with Netanyahu’s actions.
In the midst of this controversy, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu’s message will resonate with his audience, or whether his words will be overshadowed by the growing divides between his government and Democratic lawmakers. Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear – Netanyahu’s visit will be a drama-filled event that will dominate headlines and spark continued debate about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
