US Democratic lawmakers to boycott Netanyahu’s Congressional address

Several Democratic members of Congress have announced their intention to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress, citing dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions in Gaza. This decision highlights a growing division within the Democratic Party regarding U.S. policy toward Israel.

While many Democrats have historically shown strong support for Israel, recent developments in Gaza have prompted a faction of the party to openly oppose Netanyahu’s visit. These lawmakers have expressed their concerns about the humanitarian impact of Israel’s policies in the region.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who usually presides over joint sessions of Congress, will also be absent from Netanyahu’s speech.

Harris’s office has attributed her nonattendance to a prior commitment in Indianapolis, emphasizing that it should not be seen as a boycott. One of her aides explained to The Washington Post, “This is not a boycott of Netanyahu,” noting that Harris plans to meet with the Israeli leader separately at a later date.

Criticism of the Biden administration’s unconditional support for Israel has intensified, with many questioning the direction of its foreign policy. Harris’s absence, combined with the planned boycott by some Democratic lawmakers, underscores the internal conflicts over how the U.S. should engage with Israel, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza.

President Joe Biden, currently recovering from COVID-19 at his home in Delaware, is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday. This meeting is expected to address ongoing concerns and potentially reshape the administration’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The boycott by Democratic lawmakers signals a significant shift within the party, as calls for a more balanced and humanitarian-focused policy toward Israel gain traction.