Eight Democratic Congress members boycotting Netanyahu speech
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A dozen Democrats exhibit displeasure with Netanyahu's planned address, with some believing it is a Republican attempt to split the Democrats.
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Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in Tel Aviv on June 18, 2024. (AFP)
Far more Democrats could skip Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress on July 24 than the 58 who did the last time he spoke, Newsweek reported.
Earlier this week, US Senator Elizabeth Warren announced that she would not attend Netanyahu's presentation before Congress on July 24 due to the "humanitarian catastrophe he created," referring to the war on Gaza.
Warren slammed Netanyahu's dismissal of US policy regarding a "two-state" solution while responding to reporters, saying, "He has also made clear that he does not support US policy for a two-state solution that will let the people of Israel and Palestinians develop their own nation self-determination, live with dignity."
She further stressed the need for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal, the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and constructive negotiations to achieve a "peaceful solution" by "both parties".
The visit to Congress comes amid high tensions between the occupation's PM and Joe Biden, with the former recently accusing the US of withholding weapons.
Axios reported, citing officials last week, that the White House is concerned that Netanyahu’s rhetoric is deepening the tensions between the two allies.
According to the Associated Press, interviews with more than a dozen Democrats showed displeasure with Netanyahu's planned address, with some believing it is a Republican attempt to split the Democrats.
Newsweek compiled a list of eight Democratic politicians who have pledged to boycott the address. They include Rep. Don Beyer, Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Jim Clyburn, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Hank Johnson, Rep. Stephen Lynch, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
Beyer told AP that his attendance at Netanyahu's address in 2015 was "among the most painful hours" he spent while in Congress. Beyer vowed that unless Netanyahu "becomes a champion for a ceasefire," he would boycott the address.
Casar told Fox News Digital that he was not planning on attending and would "participate in whatever advocacy is being done to push for Netanyahu and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire."
According to Clyburn, an alternative event was being planned to discuss the future of Israelis and Palestinians, telling AP that he was "going to stay away with a purpose," adding that he was "not going to listen to his foolishness."
Doggett, the Congressional Progressive Caucus' deputy whip, told The Hill that Netanyahu should remain in the occupied territories to work for "peace" he has not supported in the past, citing that the "indiscriminate bombing that he has encouraged... has led to loss of lives that should never have happened."
Johnson, of Georgia, told The Hill, "I won't attend and turn my back towards him. So I'm just gonna stay away."
Lynch reported that his reason for not attending was the "little bit of controversy" Netanyahu brought the last time he addressed Congress, citing that he is "inclined" not to attend due to Netanyahu's "disrespect to the president."
Schakowsky, who is Jewish, told The Hill that she refused to attend due to the "very negative role" Netanyahu was playing.
WH reportedly fears Netanyahu will use US speech to criticize Biden
Reports have been circulating that the White House is growing more concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may take advantage of his upcoming address at the White House to openly attack US President Joe Biden and his administration's handling of the war on Gaza.
As Netanyahu is due to address a joint session of Congress next month, an unnamed US official told Politico on Saturday, "No one knows what he’s going to say."
According to another senior official, Netanyahu "could make it far worse up there in front of Congress" and his most recent call-out of the US "was not helpful at all."
In response to Netanyahu scolding the US for withholding ammunition and weapons from "Israel", White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby expressed that the White House was not aware the video was coming and called it "perplexing to say the least, certainly disappointing."
Politico continued to add that a "diplomatically complicated and politically dicey spectacle for a president running for reelection" may result from the speech if he does openly criticize Biden.
During his visit, Netanyahu is expected to convene with Biden, as per sources to Politico, even though Biden has not yet formally invited Netanyahu to the White House.
This tension, the officials warn, could erode the Israeli deterrence capabilities, especially in the eyes of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Iran.
According to US officials, the latest discord between Netanyahu and the Biden administration is obstructing joint diplomatic efforts to mitigate tensions on the Lebanese border and prevent an all-out war.
