The impending address of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Congress on July 24 has stirred controversy and division among congressional Democrats, reminiscent of past rifts over the leader’s appearances, as reported on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
Netanyahu’s previous address to Congress, dating back nine years, witnessed nearly 60 Democrats opting to skip the event, citing tensions with then-President Barack Obama over negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal.
With Netanyahu’s government currently embroiled in conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the upcoming speech is poised to witness a surge in absences.
Democrats are torn between their historical support for Israel and their reservations regarding the handling of military operations in Gaza, where more than 37,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since October last year.
The debate within Democratic ranks reflects a deeply charged atmosphere ahead of what is typically a ceremonial display of bipartisan support for a key U.S. ally.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, articulated her concerns about Netanyahu’s upcoming speech in a recent CNN interview, saying, “I wish that he would be a statesman and do what is right for Israel. We all love Israel. We need to help them and not have him stand in the way of that for such a long time.”
Pelosi’s sentiments underscore the internal strife among Democrats, as many grapple with their stance on attending the speech amid rising criticism of Netanyahu’s leadership and policies.
Tensions between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden have escalated, with Netanyahu accusing the Biden administration of withholding U.S. weapons from Israel.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded, stating, “We genuinely do not know what he’s talking about. We just don’t.”
The invitation for Netanyahu to address Congress was extended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, following consultation with the White House.
As of now, no meeting between Netanyahu and President Biden has been scheduled during the visit.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the invitation, stating it offers him the opportunity to present “the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us” to U.S. lawmakers and the global community.
The invitation garnered initial support from Republican leaders, who viewed it as a necessary move following critical remarks made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, on the Senate floor regarding Netanyahu’s role in hindering peace efforts.
However, Democrats such as Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who attended Netanyahu’s 2015 speech, criticized the invitation, questioning its political implications.
Reflecting on the upcoming address, Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed the importance of hearing Netanyahu’s perspective amid what he described as a skewed narrative in America.
Meanwhile, a significant faction within the Congressional Progressive Caucus, known for its critical stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, plans to boycott Netanyahu’s speech.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the caucus chair, expressed disapproval of the invitation, advocating instead for exerting pressure on Netanyahu to adhere to President Biden’s proposed peace terms.
Amidst mounting dissent, Rep. Jim Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, proposed organizing an alternative event during Netanyahu’s visit to foster discussions on a viable path forward for Israel and Palestine.
As preparations for Netanyahu’s address continue, anticipation grows over potential protests and further political maneuvers in response to his presence in Washington.
