Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to the U.S. Congress on July 24 is poised to be even more contentious than his speech nine years ago, when nearly 60 Democrats boycotted his remarks. With Netanyahu’s government currently engaged in a war with Hamas in Gaza, the political stakes and divisions among U.S. lawmakers have escalated significantly.
The central dilemma for Congressional Democrats is their historical support for Israel contrasted with their deepening concerns over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict’s onset on October 7, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its reports.
“I wish that he would be a statesman and do what is right for Israel. We all love Israel,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated in a recent CNN interview. “We need to help them and not have him stand in the way of that for such a long time.” Pelosi’s remarks reflect the broader unease within the Democratic Party about Netanyahu’s leadership.
The friction between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden has become increasingly public, with Netanyahu accusing the Biden administration of withholding U.S. weapons from Israel. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre countered, saying, “We genuinely do not know what he’s talking about. We just don’t.”
The invitation for Netanyahu to address Congress, extended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, was made after consultation with the White House. However, no meeting between Biden and Netanyahu has been scheduled, highlighting the tension between the two leaders.
Within the Democratic ranks, there is a significant split. While some, like Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, feel an “obligation” to attend due to their positions, others are resolute in their opposition. “I think it’s going to invite more of what we have seen in terms of discontent among our own,” Pelosi noted.
Rep. Don Beyer, who attended Netanyahu’s 2015 address, described it as “among the most painful hours” he has spent in Congress. He plans to boycott the upcoming speech unless Netanyahu becomes a “champion for a cease-fire.” Rep. Jim Clyburn is spearheading an alternative event to discuss a path forward for Israelis and Palestinians that includes a two-state solution, highlighting a proactive approach among dissenting lawmakers.
Netanyahu’s visit is anticipated to attract significant protests, and a large portion of the Congressional Progressive Caucus is expected to skip the address. Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the caucus, called the invitation a “bad idea.”
