Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to a joint session of Congress is expected to be met with a “large” boycott from the Democratic caucus who plan to use the move as a rebuke of him, amid ongoing Democratic objections to his handling of the war in Gaza.
In 2015, Netanyahu’s speech to Congress – which was perceived as a major snub to the Obama administration – was skipped by 58 Democratic lawmakers. This time around, many Democrats have voiced opposition to inviting Netanyahu in the first place, accusing Republicans of attempting to divide their party with the speech.
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal says that the boycott “will be large” and that many people are “extremely upset” about Netanyahu’s visit. Jayapal has spoken to lawmakers who attended Netanyahu’s 2015 speech but will not attend this time.
Some Democrats are struggling with the decision to attend, balancing their support for Israel with their discomfort over the war’s prosecution. One anonymous House Democrat predicted to Axios that 50 to 100 Democrats might skip the speech if the war in Gaza continues. Another senior House Democrat mentioned discussions about disrupting the speech with vocal protests.
Not all Democrats agree with the boycott, however. Rep. Mark Pocan said he hopes to engage in a conversation, suggesting that boycotting might not be the most effective approach. Rep. Dan Kildee said he expects some Democrats to boycott but believes in fulfilling his constituents’ expectations by occupying his seat.
The date for Netanyahu’s speech is still being finalized, with Netanyahu’s office dismissing reports of a June 13 address, which would take place during Shavuos.
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3 Responses
Why does ywn have to voice their opinion in the headline and article? Keep it professional and less negative. Just reading the emotional headlines themselves is enough to put a person in a low mood.
Can someone explain why? speaking on 2nd day שבועות is so bothering bibi, whereas last year [already this current Hebrew year] bibi had so absolutely no problem on the 2nd day of ראש-השנה flying to California & meeting up with musk
Most Americans strongly disapprove of Hamas, and a Democratic walkout will be horrible public relations for the Biden campaign. Similarly, Trump’s “neutrality” on Ukraine, even though most Americans strongly disapprove of Putin’s Russia, is hurting the Trump campaign.
A good line for Netanyahu would be that Israel wants American help in replacing Hamas with a government that does not engage in murder and rape, and does not start wars that lead to the inevitable destruction of their own country.