Bilateral meeting between the leaders of Israel and the United States
In July 2024, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington, D.C. to hold meetings with senior officials and deliver a speech to the United States Congress.
Due to Israel's handling of the ongoing Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. was met with both political backlash and support. His speech was boycotted by 92 U.S. lawmakers, including 89 Democrats and 1 Republican, citing various political criticisms. The address was also met by thousands of Pro-Palestinian protestors. Conversely, many Democratic and Republican politicians showcased their support for Netanyahu and Israel during the address.
The visit was cut short by a few hours due to the Majdal Shams attack.
Background.
Following the start of Israel-Hamas war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have received criticism for their handling of the war. By the time of Netanyahu's visit to the United States, more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, leading to accusations of genocide. In May 2024, Karim Ahmad Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intentions to apply an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In response to news of the pending arrest warrant, many U.S. politicians, both Republican and Democratic, reiterated their support of Netanyahu and Israel. On May 31, Mike Johnson, Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, and Hakeem Jeffries all formally invited Netanyahu to speak before Congress.
Public protests.
Ahead of and during Netanyahu's U.S. visit, thousands of anti-war and Pro-Palestine protestors marched across the Washington D.C. The protests led to 23 arrests.
Protesters at Washington Union Station removed 3 American Flags and replaced them with Palestinian flags during the address.
Other incidents involved the burning of American Flags, and the use of Hamas slogans, such as “Qassam, Qassam, make us proud,” cheering the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is Hamas’s military wing.
A group called Palestinian Youth Movement released a video to social media showing hundreds of maggots and crickets crawling on a conference table at the Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu was staying. In addition to the maggots seen on the video, the group claimed that the bugs were released in multiple floors. In the video, fire alarms can be heard in the background which the group claimed were set off to ensure that Netanyahu had "no peace".
Netanyahu's Address to Congress.
Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. His speech lasted about 52 minutes.
Before the address, Netanyahu exchanged gifts with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, a customary tradition. Johnson gifted Netanyahu a collection of documents and letters, including a letter written by Benzion Netanyahu, Netanyahu's father, to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower; as well as a note-card from U.S. President Gerald Ford. Netanyahu gifted Johnson a shrapnel sculpture of a dove flying over the state of Israel.
During his speech, Netanyahu vowed to press forward with the war until reaching "total victory", but stated he would agree to a cease-fire if specific conditions were met. Netanyahu portrayed the war as “clash between barbarism and civilization”, attacked anti-war protesters as “Iran’s useful idiots” and likened the slogan "Gays for Gaza" to "Chickens for KFC." He also praised U.S. President Joe Biden.
Netanyahu received a nearly eight-minute standing ovation upon arrival, and nearly 50 standing ovations during the speech.
Claims.
During the speech, Netanyahu made several false or misleading statements. Netanyahu said "If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren't getting enough food, it's not because Israel is blocking it. It's because Hamas is stealing it". Additionally, Netanyahu claimed that during the Rafah invasion, there were "practically no civilian deaths" during several of the IDF's operations, that the war had "one of the lowest ratios of combatants to non-combatant casualties in the history of urban warfare," and "Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America." Furthermore, Netanyahu said the ICC's allegation that Israel is starving people of Gaza is "utter, complete nonsense" and a "fabrication." These claims have been disputed by the media, UN, experts and various NGO's working on the ground.
Arrests.
Six guests were arrested during the speech, and charged with disrupting congress, for removing outer layers of clothing to expose t-shirts with the message "SEAL THE DEAL NOW", advocating for Israel to reach a ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal. The guests were all family members of individuals who are being held captive by Hamas.
Reactions.
Netanyahu's speech drew mixed reactions.
Democratic Representative and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who did not attend the speech, attacked Netanyahu's speech, calling it "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States." Pelosi reiterated her support of Israel, while criticizing Netanyahu and calling for a ceasefire.
Following the speech, Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff and Jimmy Gomez, who both attended, called on Netanyahu to resign.
Republican reception to the speech was generally positive. However, "The American Conservative" was critical, with Bradley Devin writing "While Americans have long sought a way out of the Middle East, Netanyahu seems keen on keeping America in."
Congressional boycotts, protests, and absences.
Boycotts.
Ahead of Netanyahu's address, many Congressional Representatives and several Senators announced their intentions to boycott the address.
Eventually 92 lawmakers boycotted the address as a form of protest. The list includes 89 Democrats, 2 Independents (Angus King and Bernie Sanders), and 1 Republican (Thomas Massie).
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Protests by members of congress.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is Palestinian-American, attended the address. For several minutes during Netanyahu's address, Tlaib held up a sign that read "WAR CRIMINAL" on one side and "GUILTY OF GENOCIDE" on the other.
Absences not intended to be a protest.
Democratic US Vice President Kamala Harris (the ex-officio President of the United States Senate) and Republican Senator JD Vance did not attend the address. However, their absences were not explicit political protests, with both citing prior engagements. Harris stated her absence was due to her campaigning for President in the 2024 election, and she privately met with Netanyahu later. Vance similarly cited his campaign duties as Donald Trump's running mate in election. Both reiterated their support for Israel in spite of their absence.
Senator Robert Menendez was convicted of bribery the week before the address and announced his resignation from the Senate the day before the address. Although officially still a Senator until the resignation became effective a month later, Menendez had not been in Washington between the conviction and the address.
Congressmembers Emanuel Cleaver, Dwight Evans, and Bill Pascrell were unable to attend due to medical reasons, with Cleaver having tested positive for COVID-19. Pascrell died less than a month after the address. Senator Tim Kaine stated that he was unable to attend, due to a previously scheduled commitment in Virginia.
Other meetings.
Despite Harris' absence at the congressional address, Netanyahu held a private meeting with her during his visit. During the visit, Harris reportedly pressed Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire.
Netanyahu also announced plans to meet with Former U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit; Trump is also the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election.
References.
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