Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to the U.S. to shore up support for its war against Hamas, but many Democrats don’t want to hear what he has to say.
Republicans are largely united in support of Mr. Netanyahu, but Democrats are sharply divided with a growing pro-Palestinian faction challenging the party’s longtime support of Israel. The rift has been exacerbated by Israel’s war in Gaza that has raged since Hamas’ deadly terrorist attack on Oct. 7.
Scores of Democratic lawmakers are boycotting Mr. Netanyahu’s address Wednesday to a joint meeting of Congress — perhaps as many as 100 — including Sen. Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Mr. Netanyahu’s address also comes at a moment of tremendous upheaval for the Democratic Party following President Biden’s exit from the presidential race.
Underscoring the shifting political winds in Washington, Vice President Kamala Harris, the newly presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is also skipping Mr. Netanyahu’s address.
As vice president, Ms. Harris presides over the Senate and would be expected to attend an important foreign dignitaries speech to a joint meeting of Congress.
SEE ALSO: Netanyahu visit sparks wave of protests in D.C., with all sides criticizing the Israeli PM
“I would like her here,” Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Florida Democrat who is an ardent supporter of Mr. Netanyahu. “I would also like J.D. Vance here. He’s not going to be here either. … I understand there are scheduling conflicts. But yeah, obviously we’d like everyone to be here.”
Mr. Vance is Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s running mate. Mr. Vance is also on the campaign trail.
The Democrats’ contempt for Mr. Netanyahu was palpable, with some calling him a “war criminal.” Indeed, top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York, have called for snap elections in Israel to oust Mr. Netanyahu’s government.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, New York Democrat, said he didn’t expect Mr. Netanyahu to say anything good in his address. He blamed the prime minister for keeping the war going.
“He knows as soon as the war is over, there’ll be a commission of inquiry, which will damn him and he’ll have to face criminal charges,” Mr. Nadler told The Washington Times.
While he is in Washington this week, Mr. Netanyahu is slated to meet separately with Mr. Biden and Mr. Harris. The talks are expected to center on the Biden administration’s cease-fire plan.
The prime minister will meet with Mr. Trump on Friday.
“I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle, that regardless of who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East,” Mr. Netanyahu said Monday as he departed for the U.S.
Democrats attending Mr. Netanyahu’s address told The Washington Times that they hope he advocates for a cease-fire or outlines a plan to end the conflict.
Large protests are expected in Washington during Mr. Netanyahu’s visit, with increased security and police presence at the Capitol as a precaution.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, threatened to have anyone who disrupted the speech arrested.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who leads the Progressive Caucus, said Mr. Netanyahu was doing more damage in his quest to defeat Hamas.
“I don’t think Benjamin Netanyahu has any interest in getting to peace in the Middle East,” she said. “He certainly hasn’t had an interest in bringing home hostage families, and I think he’s maybe shilling for Donald Trump.”
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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