US Sen. Warren will not attend Netanyahu's speech in Congress
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Elizabeth Warren accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, leading her to decline attendance at his speech before Congress.
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US Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., gestures during a town hall meeting, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Boston. (AP)
US Senator Elizabeth Warren will not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's presentation before Congress on July 24 due to the "humanitarian catastrophe he created," referring to the war in 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".
Warren was also asked whether Joe Biden should clearly state that Netanyahu must not address Congress, to which she responded by saying, "That’s up to the president, but I’m not going."
Sanders censures Congress over inviting 'war criminal' Netanyahu
Warren's move was preceded by Senator Bernie Sanders' decision not to attend Netanyahu's speech.
Sanders has sharply criticized the decision to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of 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.
