A group of Democratic lawmakers are planning to participate in counter-programming events on the same day as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, highlighting the divide among Democrats regarding Israel’s handling of the conflict with Hamas. Instead of attending Netanyahu’s speech, several lawmakers will take part in events organized by progressive nonprofit groups, such as the “Peace is Possible: An Alternative Vision for Israel and Palestine” event, featuring Israeli and Palestinian peace leaders. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and other Democratic representatives will be speaking at these events, advocating for a different approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In addition to the counter-programming events, Democratic Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Greg Casar are hosting a Zoom news conference to push for an arms embargo against Israel, arguing that supplying weapons to Israel leads to human rights violations. Separately, senior House Democrats will meet with the families of Israeli hostages kidnapped during a Hamas attack. Around 80 House Democrats and six Democratic senators are expected to skip Netanyahu’s speech, with House Democratic leadership giving members the freedom to decide whether to attend.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, will not preside over the Senate during Netanyahu’s address, as she will be in Indianapolis. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray has also declined, leaving Senate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin to preside over the speech. House Speaker Mike Johnson has informed lawmakers of an increased police presence during Netanyahu’s address and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for disturbances.
Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian member of Congress, strongly criticized Netanyahu and called him a war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people, stating that he should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court. Other Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Sara Jacobs, have expressed their concerns about Netanyahu’s policies and actions, leading them to skip his address. Rep. Ilhan Omar gave her tickets to family members of hostages being held, instead of attending the address.
Protests have broken out ahead of Netanyahu’s address, with groups like Jewish Voice for Peace staging sit-ins and calling for a ceasefire in the conflict to save lives. Demonstrations resulted in disruptions, arrests, and a call for police assistance at Congressman Dan Kildee’s office, where protesters attempted to force entry. Capitol Police are preparing for a large protest at the Capitol led by Palestinian groups in response to Netanyahu’s arrival, highlighting the intense emotions and differing perspectives surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
