Several anti-Israel agitators were removed from a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing while Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified about the department’s budget. Protesters interrupted Blinken’s opening statement, with one man shouting about innocent Palestinians killed in Gaza. Additional protesters spoke out, leading Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin to instruct police to remove them. Despite warnings, an elderly woman continued shouting, “Stop the genocide,” and another woman accused Blinken of being a war criminal for the deaths of Palestinians. A fourth protester claimed Blinken was funding a genocide in Gaza and accused him of being a war criminal. Despite the disruptions, Blinken continued to present President Biden’s budget request for the State Department and Agency for International Development.
During Blinken’s testimony, a bipartisan group of senators condemned the International Criminal Court’s decision to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister, as well as three Hamas leaders. The senators criticized the ICC for jeopardizing peace efforts in the Middle East and drew a distinction between Israel, a democracy, and Hamas, a terrorist organization. Blinken expressed willingness to work with Congress to respond to the ICC’s decision, stating that it complicates cease-fire talks and is wrongheaded. The Biden administration is committed to continuing negotiations and addressing the ICC’s actions with the support of Congress.
Secretary Blinken faced additional disruptions during his testimony, with protesters accusing him of being a war criminal and funding genocide in Gaza. While Blinken advocated for President Biden’s budget request, protesters were forcibly removed from the hearing room by Capitol police. Despite the disturbances, Blinken continued with his testimony and addressed Congress’ concerns about the ICC’s pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders and Hamas members. The Biden administration remains committed to working towards sustainable peace in the Middle East and is prepared to collaborate with Congress to respond to the ICC’s actions.
In the face of persistent interruptions from protestors, Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified before the Democrat-controlled Senate Foreign Relations Committee and an Appropriations subcommittee during discussions about President Biden’s $60 billion budget request for the State Department and Agency for International Development. Blinken will also appear before the Republican-controlled House Foreign Affairs Committee and an appropriations subcommittee to address concerns raised by lawmakers. Despite the disruptions and challenges posed by protestors, Blinken reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing the situation in the Middle East and responding to developments related to the ICC’s pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders.
The disruptions and protests during Blinken’s testimony highlighted the strong emotions and differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the actions of the International Criminal Court. While protestors accused Blinken of being a war criminal and funding genocide in Gaza, the Secretary of State remained focused on presenting Biden’s budget request and addressing concerns raised by lawmakers. The bipartisan condemnation of the ICC’s decision to pursue arrest warrants reflected a shared commitment to peace in the Middle East and a recognition of the complexities of the situation. The Biden administration’s willingness to work with Congress and respond to the ICC’s actions demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities for peace in the region.
