Dems mulling counter-program to Netanyahu Congress speech: Axios
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The possibilities include a news conference, a vigil, or an event with relatives of Israeli captives, many dissatisfied with Netanyahu's conduct.
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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting in occupied al-Quds, Palestine, on June 5, 2024 (AP)
Sources have informed Axios that House Democrats are planning several events to counter-program Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress next month.
Netanyahu's office announced that he accepted an offer to address both chambers of Congress, making him the first foreign leader to do so four times. Netanyahu previously addressed Congress in 2015, 2011, and 1996.
According to six people familiar with the discussions, Democrats are prepared to send a strong message of dissatisfaction with the Israeli military, particularly under Netanyahu's leadership. Since October 7, the total number of martyrs in the Gaza Strip has reached 37,266, with 85,102 injuries reported.
According to insiders, several talks about counter-programming have taken place, particularly with progressives but also with other Democratic MPs.
The possibilities include a news conference, a vigil, or an event with relatives of Israeli captives, many dissatisfied with Netanyahu's conduct.
Axios previously reported that the Dems have numerous issues with the speech, one is his unpopularity within the party and the other is that many fear that the Republicans invited Netanyahu to give his address merely to utilize the party's view of the Israeli premier to cause infighting among the Democrats, with many arguing against inviting him in the first place.
If the speech is boycotted, it is not unlikely that it would be reminiscent of when the Israeli premier addressed Congress in 2015 under Obama, as 58 Democratic lawmakers boycotted the speech, and due to the Israeli war crimes in Gaza still ongoing, it would not be surprising if even more members of the Democratic caucus miss the speech.
The boycott is expected to be "large", and there are "a lot of people who are extremely upset he is coming here," Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal told Axios, adding that many of the Congress members who attended the 2015 address said they would be skipping this upcoming one.
Not just progressives
Former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) informed Politico that he was attending one of the counter-programming meetings, demonstrating how lengthy and high-level these conversations are.
One House Democrat told Axios, "These conversations are happening. And it's not just progressives."
"We are hearing from others in the caucus that they would like to be part of counter-programming that is focused on peace, bringing the hostages home, and ending this horrible conflict," the source divulged.
Although many progressives have voiced their opposition to Israeli brutality in Gaza in recent months, the source noted that moderate Dems are "frustrated that this Netanyahu visit undermines the work of the Biden administration and is disrespectful to Israelis who want Netanyahu out."
Many leftists have already informed Axios that they intend to boycott at least next month.
Some Democrats from across the ideological spectrum have expressed opposition to the address, but may nonetheless attend.
Lawmakers warned that conversations are still in their early stages, with one telling Axios that there are "many perspectives" but "no agreement" – though sources indicated they anticipate some sort of event to take place.
Several progressive House members want to attend but interrupt the speech, according to one MP.
Criticism for Congress
US Senator Bernie Sanders has sharply criticized the decision to invite Netanyahu to address Congress, labeling him a "war criminal." Sanders, a leftist independent, expressed deep disappointment with congressional leaders from both parties for extending the invitation.
"It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited – by leaders from both parties – to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress," Sanders stated. "Netanyahu is a war criminal. He should not be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. I certainly will not attend."
The invitation to Netanyahu was extended on Friday by a bipartisan group of congressional leaders, including Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
Netanyahu is likely to deliver his address following the August Congressional recess.
