Democrats to Boycott Netanyahu Speech

A growing number of House Democrats plan to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming speech to Congress on July 24, criticizing his approach to the Hamas conflict and his disregard for President Biden's preferred strategies.

Netanyahu's upcoming speech to Congress has deepened existing divisions among House Democrats. While some plan to boycott in protest of his policies and actions, others will attend to demonstrate their support for Israel as a vital ally. This event underscores the broader debate within the party over the best approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and US foreign policy in the Middle East.

Several lawmakers, such as Hank Johnson, have explicitly stated their intention to avoid the event, reflecting a long-standing animosity toward Netanyahu's conservative policies and actions, including his criticisms of the Iran nuclear deal during Obama's presidency.

In 2015, Netanyahu's speech to Congress sparked a similar boycott due to his opposition to the Iran deal and Speaker John Boehner's coordination of the event without consulting the White House.

This year, at least 58 lawmakers plan to boycott again, among them Lloyd Doggett and Jan Schakowsky, both critical of Netanyahu's actions in the Gaza conflict. They argue that his approach has led to unnecessary loss of life and that he should focus on peace efforts rather than addressing Congress.

While some Democrats plan to boycott the speech, others intend to attend to show solidarity with Israel. Juan Vargas emphasized the importance of supporting Israel as a democratically, despite internal divisions within the Democratic caucus. Top House Democrats, including Pete Aguilar and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, acknowledge that each member must decide whether to attend based on their beliefs and the views of their constituents.

Netanyahu's visit highlights ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party regarding US policy toward Israel and the Palestinian territories. Pro-Israel Democrats often clash with pro-Palestinian progressives over civilian casualties in Gaza.

The announcement of Netanyahu's address by Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell excluded Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Jeffries, despite their earlier support for the invitation.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed her disapproval of the invitation, arguing that she would not have extended it if she were still leading House Democrats.

Schumer, while critical of Netanyahu's policies, believes in the importance of maintaining strong US-Israel relations.

Supporters of the speech, like Josh Gottheimer, argue that hearing from a key ally like Israel is crucial, especially given the ongoing threats from groups like Hamas and Iran-backed proxies. They emphasize the need for continued collaboration between the US and Israel in combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability.