Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday has exposed deep fissures within U.S. politics, particularly among Democrats.
As Netanyahu arrives on Capitol Hill, he faces a chamber sharply divided over his leadership and Israel's conduct in the ongoing war in Gaza. The speech comes at a critical time, with Israel facing international criticism and the United States grappling with its role in the conflict.
Key points of contention include:
1. Democratic Boycott: Several prominent Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have announced they will not attend the speech. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib are among those boycotting, with Tlaib calling Netanyahu's invitation "utterly disgraceful."
2. Republican Support: Speaker Mike Johnson, who spearheaded the invitation, has emphasized the importance of standing with Israel. He criticized Democrats' absences, particularly Vice President Harris's, as "unconscionable."
3. Bipartisan Tensions: While all four top congressional leaders extended the invitation, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has previously called for Netanyahu to step down. Schumer's participation in the invitation has been described as reluctant.
4. Security Concerns: Speaker Johnson has threatened to arrest anyone causing disturbances during the speech, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.
5. International Perspective: A group of former Israeli intelligence and security officials have expressed "grave concerns" about the potential damage the speech could do to U.S.-Israel relations.
The divisions over Netanyahu's address reflect broader disagreements about U.S. policy towards Israel and the handling of the Gaza conflict. Democrats who plan to attend emphasize the importance of supporting Israel as a country, even while disagreeing with its current leadership.
As Netanyahu prepares to speak, the empty seats in the chamber will serve as a visible reminder of the challenges facing U.S.-Israel relations and the deep political divisions within Congress.
The speech is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with potential repercussions likely to reverberate through both domestic U.S. politics and international diplomacy.
* The New York Times contributed to this article.