of Violent conflict is causing headaches That comes as President Biden and other Democratic leaders try to strike a delicate balance between supporting America’s closest Middle East ally at war while condemning elements of Netanyahu’s military. strategyresulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians in Gaza.
The move is reminiscent of Netanyahu’s last joint address to Congress in 2015. The Israeli leader, invited by former Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), used the lofty platform to attack then-President Barack Obama over the Iran nuclear deal. An unusual rebuke The remarks, made by a foreign leader in the sitting president’s home turf, were widely condemned by Mr. Obama’s Democratic supporters.
Nine years later, some of them Fellow Democrats also express concern. Mr. Netanyahu will again use the platform to advance his political agenda, even if it means attacking the Biden administration.
“I boycotted his last visit and I will definitely not attend this election,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a Jewish Democrat. He described Netanyahu as a “threat.”
The backlash comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC), an international organization headquartered in The Hague, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister of war crimes over military operations in Gaza following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas. It happened 3 days after. In its complaint, the ICC said: accused Israeli leaders of directly targeting civilians And allegations of using hunger as a weapon of war have only fueled liberal opposition to Netanyahu’s possible visit.
“He seems so set on wiping out the people of Gaza,” said Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. “I’m not sure we need a guy who’s so set on wiping out the people of Gaza to give a joint address to Congress.” internationally accused of committing crimes against humanity. ”
Other liberals are also pursuingAmong them: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), despite calls for Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Congress, for Kenyan President William Ruto, who is visiting Washington this week. That includes members of the Congressional Black Caucus who are furious that they declined the honor.
The thorny issue of Israeli-Palestinian relations long-divided Democratic PartyIt has pitted Israel’s staunchest defenders, who argue for the importance of maintaining a strong Jewish state in a hostile part of the world, against liberal critics of Israel’s human rights record.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to parliament seems likely to materialize, events are not fixedJohnson drafted a formal letter inviting the Israeli leader to Capitol Hill and sent it to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer several weeks ago, but the New York Democrat has not yet signed it.
Meanwhile, Republicans who rushed to defend Israel’s actions during the war with Hamas are eager to see Netanyahu appear on Capitol Hill to make his case. And House Democratic leaders are Despite their concerns Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government have also welcomed the Israeli leader.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
