Israeli PM Netanyahu to Address Congress Amid Gaza War Controversy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit | Getty images

United States: In a recent visit by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu will make an effort to strengthen the US support for his country in its fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups in a speech before Congress scheduled to be held on Wednesday.

However, several Democratic lawmakers are planning to boycott his appearance, along with other protestors, who would amass around the Capital to criticize the deadly war in Gaza and the resultant humanitarian crisis created in the region.

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According to sources, Netanyahu also wants to portray himself as a respected statesman for Israel’s increasingly critical citizens.

But the task is not easy for PM, as the Americans themselves are divided into two views on Israel and the war, which is viewed as one of the main issues highlighted in the US presidential election campaigns, as AP News reported.

A warm welcome from the Republicans is awaiting

Netanyahu is assured a warm welcome from Republican lawmakers inside the Capital, who have arranged his speech in the House chamber. This appearance by the PM would make him the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

However, some Democratic and politically independent Bernie Sanders leaders have planned to boycott Netanyahu’s speech, according to AP News.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who also serves as president of the Senate during the Israeli PM visit, would mark her notable absence, as a long-scheduled trip would keep her away.

Apart from that, the Democrat Sen. Patty Murray of Washington has also declined to attend, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi notified that she would be with families of Israeli victims of Hamas instead.

According to Republicans, Harris’s absence is marked as disloyalty to an ally who is also the new Democratic front-runner for the presidency.

Moreover, former resident Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, also informed us about his absence during Netanyahu’s speech, citing the need to campaign.