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====Reactions====
====Reactions====
Netanyahu's speech drew mixed reactions.<ref name="LA"/>

Democratic Representative and former House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] attacked Netanyahu's speech, calling it "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States." Pelosi reiterated her support of Israel, while criticizing Netanyahu and calling for a ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robertson|first=Nick|title=Pelosi says Netanyahu gave ‘the worst’ speech to Congress from any foreign leader|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4790348-pelosi-netanyahu-worst-speech-congress/|work=The Hill|date=24 July 2024}}</ref>
Democratic Representative and former House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] attacked Netanyahu's speech, calling it "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States." Pelosi reiterated her support of Israel, while criticizing Netanyahu and calling for a ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robertson|first=Nick|title=Pelosi says Netanyahu gave ‘the worst’ speech to Congress from any foreign leader|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4790348-pelosi-netanyahu-worst-speech-congress/|work=The Hill|date=24 July 2024}}</ref>

Following the speech, Democratic Representatives [[Adam Schiff]] and [[Jimmy Gomez]], who both attended, called on Netanyahu to resign.<ref name="LA">{{cite news|title=Netanyahu’s address divides California’s congressmembers, sparks protest |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2024/07/24/netanyahus-address-divides-californias-congressmembers-sparks-protest/|work=Los Angeles Daily News|date=24 July 2024}}</ref>

Republican reception to the speech was generally positive.<ref name="LA"/> However, ''[[The American Conservative]]'' was critical, with Bradley Devin writing "While Americans have long sought a way out of the Middle East, Netanyahu seems keen on keeping America in."<ref>{{cite news|last=Devin|first=Bradley|title=Netanyahu: Time for a Mideast NATO?|url=https://www.theamericanconservative.com/netanyahu-time-for-a-mideast-nato/|work=[[The American Conservative]]|date=24 July 2024}}</ref>


===Other meetings===
===Other meetings===

Revision as of 07:18, 25 July 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In July 2024, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington, D.C. to hold meetings with senior officials and deliver a speech to the United States Congress.

Due to Israel's handling of the ongoing Israel–Hamas war, Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. was met with both political backlash and support. Dozens of Democratic politicians and one Republican boycotted Netanyahu's speech, citing various political criticisms. The address was also met by thousands of Pro-Palestinian protestors; who during the address, removed 3 American Flags and replaced them Palestinian flags at Washington Union Station. Conversely, many Democratic and Republican politicians showcased their support for Netanyahu and Israel during the address.[1][2]

Background

Following the start of Israel-Hamas war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have received criticism for their handling of the war. During the war, more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed,[3] leading to accusations of genocide. In May 2024, Karim Ahmad Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intentions to apply an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.[4]

In response to news of the pending arrest warrant, many U.S. politicians, both Republican and Democratic, reiterated their support of Netanyahu and Israel. On May 31, Mike Johnson, Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, and Hakeem Jeffries all formally invited Netanyahu to speak before Congress.[5]

Congressional boycotts and non-attendees

Ahead of Netanyahu's address, many Congressional Representatives and several Senators announced their intentions to boycott the address.[6][7]

Over 38 lawmakers reportedly boycotted the address, which included at least 36 Democrats, 1 Independent (Bernie Sanders), and 1 Republican (Thomas Massie).[8]

List of politicians who boycotted Netanyahu's Congressional address
U.S. Representatives
  1. Becca Balint (D)[9]
  2. Ami Bera (D)[6]
  3. Don Beyer (D)[6]
  4. Jamaal Bowman (D)[6]
  5. Cori Bush (D)[10]
  6. Greg Casar (D)[11]
  7. Joaquín Castro (D)[12]
  8. Jim Clyburn (D)[13]
  9. Steve Cohen (D)[13]
  10. Lloyd Doggett (D)[6]
  11. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D)[14]
  12. Robert Garcia (D)[15]
  13. Jared Huffman (D)[6]
  14. Sara Jacobs (D)[16]
  15. Pramila Jayapal (D)[17]
  16. Hank Johnson (D)[6]
  17. Ro Khanna (D)[6]
  18. Barbara Lee (D)[6]
  19. Stephen Lynch (D)[6]
  20. Thomas Massie (R)[18]
  21. Betty McCollum (D)[6]
  22. Jim McGovern (D)[19]
  23. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D)[20]
  24. Ilhan Omar (D)[21]
  25. Nancy Pelosi (D)[13]
  26. Mark Pocan (D)[22]
  27. Ayanna Pressley (D)[23]
  28. Delia Ramirez (D)[6]
  29. Jan Schakowsky (D)[6]
  30. Mark Takano (D)[6]
  31. Bennie Thompson (D)[13]
  32. Nydia Velazquez (D)[24]
  33. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)[6]
U.S. Senators
  1. Brian Schatz (D)[7]
  2. Dick Durbin (D)[6]
  3. Chris Van Hollen (D)[25]
  4. Elizabeth Warren (D)[26]
  5. Ed Markey (D)[27]
  6. Jeff Merkley (D)[28]
  7. Bernie Sanders (I)[29]
  8. Peter Welch (D)[30]
  9. Tim Kaine (D)[6]
  10. Patty Murray (D)[6]

Other non-attendees

Democratic U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Senator J.D. Vance also did not attend the address. However, unlike other boycotts of the address, their absences were not political protests, with both citing prior engagements. Harris stated her absence is due to her campaigning for President in the 2024 election, and intends to privately meet with Netanyahu later. Vance similarly cited his campaign duties as Donald Trump's running mate in election. Both reiterated their support for Israel in spite of their absence.[31]

Public protests

Ahead of and during Netanyahu's U.S. visit, thousands of anti-war and Pro-Palestine protestors marched across the Washington D.C.[32] The protests led to 23 arrests.[32]

Some protestors released hundreds of maggots and crickets at the Watergate Hotel in protest of Netanyahu's visit.[33]

Netanyahu's Address to Congress

2024 visit by Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States
DateJuly 24, 2024 (2024-07-24)
Time2:00 p.m. (EST)
VenueHouse Chamber, United States Capitol
LocationWashington, D.C.
FootageC-SPAN

Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. His speech lasted roughly 50 minutes.[34]

Before the address, Netanyahu exchanged gifts with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, a customary tradition.[34] Johnson gifted Netanyahu a collection of documents and letters, including a letter written by Benzion Netanyahu, Netanyahu's father, to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower; as well as a note-card from U.S. President Gerald Ford. Netanyahu gifted Johnson a shrapnel sculpture of a dove flying over the state of Israel.[34]

During his speech, Netanyahu vowed to press forward with the war until reaching "total victory", but stated he would agree to a cease-fire if specific conditions were met. Netanyahu portrayed the war as “clash between barbarism and civilization”, and attacked anti-war protesters as “Iran’s useful idiots.”[35] He also praised U.S. President Joe Biden.[31]

During the speech, Netanyahu made several false or misleading statements. Netanyahu falsely claimed that Israel has not blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza during the war; a claim which has been disputed by USAID, international groups, and humanitarian groups.[36]

Arrests

Six guests were arrested during the speech, and charged with disrupting congress. The guests were all family members of individuals who are being held captive by Hamas; the guests were seen wearing t-shirts advocating for Israel to broker a ceasefire and hostage release, reading "SEAL THE DEAL NOW".[37]

Reactions

Netanyahu's speech drew mixed reactions.[38]

Democratic Representative and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attacked Netanyahu's speech, calling it "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States." Pelosi reiterated her support of Israel, while criticizing Netanyahu and calling for a ceasefire.[39]

Following the speech, Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff and Jimmy Gomez, who both attended, called on Netanyahu to resign.[38]

Republican reception to the speech was generally positive.[38] However, The American Conservative was critical, with Bradley Devin writing "While Americans have long sought a way out of the Middle East, Netanyahu seems keen on keeping America in."[40]

Other meetings

Netanyahu also announced plans to meet with Former U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit; Trump is also the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election.[41]

References

  1. ^ "Live Updates: Biden says nation's democracy lies in hands of voters, explains why he ended 2024 bid". The Associated Press. July 24, 2024.
  2. ^ "Netanyahu is in Washington at a fraught time for Israel and the US. What to know about his visit". The Associated Press. 23 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  3. ^ "United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory | Reported impact snapshot | Gaza Strip (17 July 2024)". United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  4. ^ Ray, Siladita (20 May 2024). "ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants For Benjamin Netanyahu And Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar". Forbes.
  5. ^ Carney, Jordain (31 May 2024). "Hill leaders officially invite Netanyahu to speak before Congress". Politico.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Who are the lawmakers boycotting Netanyahu's address to Congress today?". The Independent. 2024-07-24. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
  7. ^ a b Bohannon, Molly. "Who Is Skipping Netanyahu's Congress Address? Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi And Other Big Names". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
  8. ^ Hagopian, Alicja (24 July 2024). "Who are the 38+ lawmakers boycotting Netanyahu's address to Congress today?". The Independent.
  9. ^ https://x.com/RepBeccaB/status/1816102910981210564
  10. ^ https://x.com/RepCori/status/1815849558309482530
  11. ^ https://x.com/RepCasar/status/1816162579095642459
  12. ^ https://x.com/JoaquinCastrotx/status/1816152586019369356
  13. ^ a b c d https://www.axios.com/2024/07/24/pelosi-boycott-netanyahu-speech-congress
  14. ^ https://x.com/RepMaxwellFrost/status/1816114625475158278
  15. ^ Reporter, James Bickerton US News (2024-07-24). "List of Democrats skipping Netanyahu's speech". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-07-24.
  16. ^ https://x.com/RepSaraJacobs/status/1816124640168693861
  17. ^ https://x.com/RepJayapal/status/1815882181094367346
  18. ^ https://x.com/RepThomasMassie/status/1816096291291623517
  19. ^ https://x.com/RepMcGovern/status/1816115258831917553
  20. ^ https://x.com/AOC/status/1815842132269158845
  21. ^ https://x.com/Ilhan/status/1816121256409739478
  22. ^ https://x.com/RepMarkPocan/status/1816156280630763871
  23. ^ https://x.com/RepPressley/status/1815930897117368493
  24. ^ https://x.com/NydiaVelazquez/status/1815796219282698530
  25. ^ https://x.com/ChrisVanHollen/status/1815840711670911419
  26. ^ https://x.com/SenWarren/status/1816135025718419918
  27. ^ https://x.com/SenMarkey/status/1816167357489820120
  28. ^ https://x.com/SenJeffMerkley/status/1815544951389761730
  29. ^ https://x.com/SenSanders/status/1815458923518050394
  30. ^ https://x.com/SenPeterWelch/status/1816132236846022799
  31. ^ a b Schnell, Mychael (24 July 2024). "Memorable moments from Netanyahu's address to Congress". The Hill.
  32. ^ a b "U.S. flag set ablaze, 23 arrested as thousands protest Netanyahu's D.C. visit". The Washington Post. 24 July 2024.
  33. ^ "Maggots, crickets released at Watergate Hotel in protest of Netanyahu visit". The Washington Post. 24 July 2024.
  34. ^ a b c Schnell, Mychael (24 July 2024). "Memorable moments from Netanyahu's address to Congress". The Hill.
  35. ^ Karni, Annie; Green, Erica L. (July 24, 2024). "Netanyahu Offers Full-Throated Defense of Gaza War". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.
  36. ^ Flaherty, Anne; Martinez, Luis; Sarnoff, Leah (24 July 2024). "Fact-checking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress". ABC.
  37. ^ Solender, Andrew (27 July 2024). "Six spectators charged for "disrupting" Netanyahu speech". Axios.
  38. ^ a b c "Netanyahu's address divides California's congressmembers, sparks protest". Los Angeles Daily News. 24 July 2024.
  39. ^ Robertson, Nick (24 July 2024). "Pelosi says Netanyahu gave 'the worst' speech to Congress from any foreign leader". The Hill.
  40. ^ Devin, Bradley (24 July 2024). "Netanyahu: Time for a Mideast NATO?". The American Conservative.
  41. ^ Bohannon, Molly (24 July 2024). "Donald Trump Confirms He Will Meet With Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu—Here's What To Know Ahead Of His Visit". Forbes.


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