• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress on July 24, 2024, amid significant controversy due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
• Activist groups, including ANSWER, CodePink, and Jewish Voice for Peace, are organizing large protests at the U.S. Capitol, condemning Netanyahu as a war criminal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., this week to address a joint session of Congress on July 24, 2024. This visit, amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, has ignited significant opposition and controversy both within the United States and internationally.
Numerous activist groups are organizing protests at the U.S. Capitol to coincide with Netanyahu’s visit. Organizations such as ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), CodePink, the Palestinian American Community Center, and Jewish Voice for Peace have mobilized to demonstrate against Netanyahu, whom they label as a war criminal responsible for the genocide in Gaza. The protests are expected to draw large crowds, and the U.S. Capitol Police are making extensive security preparations to handle the influx of demonstrators.
“We anticipate a large number of demonstrators to show up,” stated the U.S. Capitol Police. “Our plan includes adding more officers – including from several outside agencies.”
The demonstrations are a response to Israel’s brutal military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 38,983 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and the displacement of nearly the entire population of 2.3 million people. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, characterized by severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, has been exacerbated by the relentless Israeli assaults.
The devastation in Gaza is a direct result of Netanyahu’s policies. His approach to the conflict has been characterized by aggressive military tactics, which have drawn widespread condemnation. The death toll and the extent of destruction have led to calls for international intervention and accountability. Netanyahu’s critics argue that his policies have not only failed to bring peace but have also exacerbated the suffering of the Palestinian people.
As a result, Netanyahu’s address to Congress has sparked significant political backlash. Around 230 Capitol Hill staffers from 122 offices signed a letter urging their representatives to either protest or boycott the speech. The letter highlights increasing frustration within certain segments of the U.S. government over continued support for Netanyahu, particularly given the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent request for an arrest warrant against him on charges of war crimes.
Prominent progressive lawmakers, such as Senator Bernie Sanders, have been vocal in their opposition to Netanyahu. Sanders, among others, has criticized the Israeli Prime Minister for his policies and actions in Gaza, calling for accountability and justice for the Palestinian people. “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. He should not be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. I certainly will not attend,” Sanders declared, highlighting the severe ethical and legal concerns surrounding Netanyahu’s leadership.
Netanyahu’s visit comes amid increasingly strained relations with the Biden administration. President Joe Biden has been criticized for his unwavering support of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Although Biden has publicly voiced support for a ceasefire, his actions, including the continuation of military aid to Israel, tell a different story. This perceived inconsistency has angered progressive Democrats and human rights advocates, who view Biden’s stance as fundamentally endorsing Israel’s aggressive military campaign.
Netanyahu’s recent public accusations against the U.S. for allegedly withholding military aid have further strained this relationship, with White House officials expressing frustration and concern over the potential diplomatic fallout of Netanyahu’s speech. This visit is seen as a critical moment that could influence U.S.-Israel relations and impact the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
Netanyahu’s address to Congress is likely to focus on several key issues central to Israel’s position in the ongoing war against the people of Gaza. He is expected to defend Israel’s military actions in Gaza, portraying them as a justified response to the events that occurred in October. Netanyahu will likely emphasize Israel’s right to self-defense and call for continued and unconditional support from the United States.
In addition to justifying military actions, Netanyahu is expected to use this platform to address accusations of war crimes and human rights violations from the ICJ and ICC, attempting to frame Israel’s actions within the context of combating Palestinian armed resistance and ensuring national security. This narrative aims to garner sympathy and support from U.S. legislators and the American public
Moreover, Netanyahu may discuss the broader geopolitical threats facing Israel, particularly from Iran and its nuclear ambitions. He will likely appeal to American lawmakers to maintain a strong stance against Iran, reinforcing the need for robust security cooperation between the U.S. and Israel.
Netanyahu’s visit and the anticipated address to Congress will likely cement the U.S.-Israel relationship for the next decade, tying both nations closely together on a path that could increasingly isolate them from the international community. This alignment, driven by unwavering military and political support, signals a long-term commitment that will likely leave both countries standing remote against a backdrop of growing global criticism and calls for accountability. As they deepen their alliance, the potential for shared international isolation becomes more pronounced, particularly in light of the contentious and polarizing nature of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s address will be his fourth to a joint session of Congress, making him the first head of state to achieve this in US history. His previous speeches have been equally contentious, particularly his 2015 address that criticized the Obama administration’s proposed Iran nuclear deal, leading to a boycott by nearly 60 Democrats. This upcoming speech is expected to follow a similar path of controversy and division.
The outcome of Netanyahu’s visit and the subsequent political and public reactions will likely have significant implications for U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. As the world looks on, the confluence of diplomacy, protest, and political maneuvering will define the narrative of this pivotal moment.
