Washington, D.C. The nation’s capital was a scene of tension and protest today as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived for a scheduled presentation before the U.S. Congress. The visit, marked by controversy and widespread opposition, coincided with heightened U.S. security assistance to Israel, which has totaled $6.5 billion since the October 7 attack.

Netanyahu, a polarizing figure on the international stage, especially due to his government’s policies towards Palestinians, was recently condemned by a United Nations tribunal as an international criminal for alleged war crimes. This backdrop added gravity to his visit, eliciting strong reactions from both political figures and the public.

In a significant move, many Democratic lawmakers, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, boycotted Netanyahu’s presentation. They cited objections to his policies and the timing of the visit, viewing it as an affront to diplomatic norms and a distraction from pressing domestic issues. Vice President Kamala Harris, a key Democratic figure and the presumptive candidate for President, was notably absent, continuing her campaign trail across key states. She has been advocating for a more balanced and just U.S. foreign policy stance in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest Netanyahu’s presence in the U.S. They marched near Capitol Hill, holding signs and chanting slogans condemning the Israeli leader’s policies and calling for justice and peace. The protests were largely peaceful but underscored deep divisions within American society over U.S. support for Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, tensions flared when police used pepper spray on the crowd to maintain order.

In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX), a progressive member of Congress, announced a desire to serve Netanyahu with an arrest warrant on the floor of Congress. The warrant, based on findings by the International Criminal Court, was intended to highlight the lack of accountability for alleged crimes. While the legal and diplomatic complexities of such an action are significant, the gesture underscored a growing willingness among some U.S. lawmakers to take bold stances on international human rights issues.

Netanyahu’s visit, initially intended to strengthen ties and reaffirm bilateral cooperation, instead highlighted the deepening rifts within American politics regarding U.S.-Israel relations. The widespread boycotts, public demonstrations, and legal threats reflected a shifting landscape where traditional alliances and diplomatic norms are increasingly scrutinized through the lens of human rights and international law.

During Netanyahu’s speech, progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the first Palestinian woman to serve in Congress, held up a small black-and-white sign labeling Netanyahu as a “War criminal” and accusing him of “Genocide.” Netanyahu responded dismissively, referring to the protesters as Iran‘s “useful idiots.”

As the day unfolded, the capital remained on high alert, with heightened security around key government buildings and protest sites. The broader implications of this visit are yet to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over foreign policy and international justice.

Democrats Boycott, Protests Erupt: Netanyahu Faces D.C. Backlash (July 24, 2024)

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