As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address the U.S. Congress on July 24, Congressional Democrats are grappling with the decision of whether to attend his speech. This comes at a time when Israel is engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza, and tensions between Netanyahu and Democratic President Joe Biden are increasingly visible.
The last time Netanyahu addressed Congress in 2015, nearly 60 Democrats boycotted the speech, viewing it as a direct affront to then-President Barack Obama during sensitive nuclear deal negotiations with Iran.
The situation is more complex now, with Israel involved in a war with Hamas. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. This has intensified the debate among Democrats about supporting Israel while also expressing concern over its military actions in Gaza.
Some Democrats intend to attend out of respect for Israel, while a growing number are considering abstaining due to discontent with Netanyahu’s policies and the handling of the Gaza conflict. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized Netanyahu, stating he should act in the best interests of Israel and not obstruct support from allies.
Netanyahu has accused the Biden administration of withholding weapons from Israel, a claim the White House denies. This accusation further strains the already delicate relationship between the Israeli leader and the U.S. President.
House Speaker Mike Johnson extended the invitation to Netanyahu after consulting with the White House. There is currently no scheduled meeting between Netanyahu and Biden during the visit.
The idea of inviting Netanyahu gained traction among Republicans after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s critical speech on the Senate floor about Netanyahu. Schumer, along with House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, eventually endorsed the invitation despite their reservations.
Key Democratic figures like Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Michael McCaul have expressed differing views on attending the address. Van Hollen sees no need to provide a political lifeline to Netanyahu, while McCaul believes it is important for Americans to hear the Israeli Prime Minister’s perspective.
Some Democrats, like Rep. Jim Clyburn, are planning alternative events to discuss constructive ways forward for Israeli-Palestinian relations, highlighting their discontent with Netanyahu’s policies without completely disengaging from the discourse.
Netanyahu’s visit is expected to draw significant protests. Many members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, including its chair, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, plan to skip the address, arguing that inviting Netanyahu sends the wrong message amidst the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu’s upcoming address to Congress is generating significant debate among Democrats, reflecting broader tensions over U.S. support for Israel and the Israeli government’s handling of the conflict in Gaza. The event is likely to underscore the divisions within the party regarding foreign policy and the Israel-Palestine issue.
