Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of the US Congress, seeking support for Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The invitation came from House Speaker Mike Johnson, reflecting strong Republican backing for Israel. However, over 30 Democratic lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have stated they will not attend, expressing disapproval of Netanyahu’s policies.
Netanyahu’s US visit includes meetings with President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. He aims to present what he describes as the “truth about our just war” during his Congressional address, marking his first US trip since the conflict with Hamas began nearly ten months ago.
Netanyahu looks to boost US support in a speech to Congress but faces protests and lawmaker boycotts https://t.co/n9g6GoVC1Y
— KGW News (@KGWNews) July 24, 2024
The visit occurs amidst growing international and domestic criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of the war. In May, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli and Hamas leaders, accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes, which both Israel and Hamas rejected. Recently, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, a ruling Israel has dismissed.
Netanyahu’s presence in Washington has sparked significant controversy, with protests anticipated from pro-Palestinian groups. Speaker Johnson warned against disruptions inside the House chamber, promising arrests if necessary. Already, around 200 Jewish American peace activists protested at the Capitol, wearing shirts reading “Not in our name” and “Jews say stop arming Israel.”
Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi plans to boycott Netanyahu’s upcoming speech before Congress.
Netanyahu seeks support for war in Gaza with speech to Congress but sparks protests and boycotts. pic.twitter.com/cNZcWbhkks
— Pulse Network (@Pulsenetwork5) July 24, 2024
The strained relationship between Netanyahu and the US, particularly with leading Democrats, has been highlighted by Biden’s growing criticism as the Gaza death toll rises. Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee for President following Biden’s withdrawal, will not preside over Netanyahu’s address in the Senate.
Notably, Senators like Dick Durban and Bernie Sanders, along with others, are boycotting Netanyahu’s speech, criticizing his policies in Gaza and the West Bank. Sanders condemned Netanyahu’s “total war” approach and refusal to support a two-state solution.
#VantageOnFirstpost: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a landmark speech seeking to rally support from a US Congress divided by his military campaign in Gaza. But the visit comes at a terrible time for America. @palkisu tells you more. pic.twitter.com/zgOzEYsH17
— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 24, 2024
The conflict, which escalated following a deadly attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, has resulted in over 39,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health ministry figures. The World Health Organization has expressed concern about a potential polio outbreak in Gaza after traces were detected in wastewater.
Key Points:
- Netanyahu will address the US Congress, seeking support for Israel’s war against Hamas.
- Over 30 Democratic lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi, will boycott the address.
- Netanyahu’s visit includes meetings with Biden, Harris, and Trump.
- International criticism grows, with the ICC and ICJ condemning Israel’s actions.
- The Gaza conflict has resulted in over 39,000 deaths, with WHO warning of a potential polio outbreak.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
