Bernie Sanders announced he will not attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress this week. He agrees with international bodies labeling both Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as war criminals. Sanders condemns Netanyahu’s government for causing the deaths of at least 39,000 Palestinians and widespread destruction in Gaza, which has led to severe food shortages. Sanders argues that Netanyahu should not be welcomed by Congress and calls for ending U.S. financial support for his government’s actions in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting the US this week under pressure to end the Gaza war. He is set to meet with President Joe Biden, assuming Biden has recovered from COVID-19, and address Congress for the fourth time.
The visit is a chance for Netanyahu to mend relations with the US after tensions over his hardline stance in the war. It also allows him to reassure Israelis about his relationship with the US. However, Biden’s decision not to seek re-election might overshadow Netanyahu’s visit, adding uncertainty about future US-Israel relations.
In Israel, Netanyahu faces criticism for not focusing on a ceasefire with Hamas and is seen as delaying negotiations for political reasons. Protests have demanded he stay and work on a ceasefire instead of traveling to the US.
Netanyahu’s visit also reflects broader political dynamics. The White House is frustrated with his refusal to support a two-state solution and his handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With Biden’s presidency weakened by controversy, there might be less pressure on Netanyahu, though some analysts think Biden’s departure from the race could give him more freedom to act on foreign policy.
Netanyahu aims to use the visit to address Congress and build support, possibly focusing on Iran and the broader Middle East. He might also seek to strengthen ties with former President Donald Trump, whom he hopes will win the upcoming US election to ease pressure from the Biden administration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday to a low-key reception, overshadowed by President Joe Biden’s surprise decision not to seek re-election. Despite this, Netanyahu’s visit remains important for the ongoing ceasefire talks with Hamas.
US officials believe a deal might be close, but some question whether Netanyahu genuinely wants a ceasefire. In Israel, many think Netanyahu benefits from prolonging the war, as it deflects criticism and boosts his political standing. His party’s prospects have improved recently, and his far-right coalition partners oppose a ceasefire.
Netanyahu has been accused of creating obstacles to a deal and publicly undermining the ceasefire efforts. However, he has engaged in negotiations and met with hostage families, suggesting progress might be possible.
In Washington, Netanyahu will meet with Biden and other officials. The dynamic will be different now that Biden is a lame-duck president. Biden has become more critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and even withheld some military aid. Netanyahu’s visit will likely include discussions on both the ceasefire and broader US-Israel relations.
Netanyahu may also be considering how a potential future president, like Donald Trump, might impact his situation. Trump has been a strong supporter of Israel but has also urged a swift end to the Gaza conflict.
On Wednesday, much of the Capitol area will be closed to the public due to expected protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit. Key sites like the Capitol Visitor Center and the Library of Congress will be closed, and the U.S. Botanic Garden will also shut down. Capitol Police are preparing for large demonstrations and have increased security measures.
Netanyahu’s visit comes amid ongoing ceasefire talks and a backdrop of controversy surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza. The protests will include calls for Netanyahu to secure the release of hostages and criticisms of his policies.
Some Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott or protest Netanyahu’s speech, and there are concerns about security following recent political violence. Speaker Mike Johnson has warned of arrests for any disruptive behavior during the address. Security measures, including fencing and parking restrictions, will be in place around the Capitol.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington this week comes at a tense time for both the U.S. and Israel. Netanyahu is set to speak before Congress, but his visit also involves meetings with U.S. officials to discuss ending the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has seen nearly 40,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza. The visit is happening amid significant U.S. political upheaval, including an assassination attempt on Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s recent decision to end his re-election bid and support Kamala Harris for president.
Vice President Kamala Harris won’t preside over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday. Instead, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., will oversee the event. Harris is expected to be traveling for her presidential campaign following President Joe Biden’s recent decision to step down from his re-election bid and support her candidacy.
Cardin, who is an advocate for Israel, will fill in after Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, declined the role. Many liberal lawmakers are expected to boycott Netanyahu’s speech.
Netanyahu’s visit aims to strengthen Israel’s ties with the U.S. and push for a cease-fire in Gaza, where nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu also plans to meet with Biden, though the timing is uncertain due to Biden’s recovery from Covid. Discussions are ongoing about a possible meeting with former President Donald Trump as well.
In the wake of President Biden’s surprising decision not to seek re-election, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to Congress is losing attention among Democrats.
Key Points:
- Less Focus: The speech, scheduled for Wednesday, is drawing less attention from Democrats due to recent political upheaval and internal party struggles.
- Current Priorities: Many Democrats are preoccupied with Biden’s campaign troubles and recent debates, making Netanyahu’s visit seem less significant.
- Shifting Attention: Some Democrats feel the ongoing violence in Gaza and recent developments in U.S. politics have overshadowed the speech.
- Boycotts and Protests: A significant number of Democrats are expected to boycott the speech. Protests and counter-events are planned, with heightened security measures in place.
- Concerns: Lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Dan Goldman, are concerned about security due to anticipated large-scale protests.
Overall, the focus on Netanyahu’s address is diminishing as other political issues and security concerns take precedence.