Netanyahu to address Congress on Wednesday, seeking to redirect American attention from Biden to the Middle East
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress on Wednesday – seeking to shore up American support for his war in Gaza and redirect the attention of a nation that has been preoccupied for weeks by a stream of domestic political issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address Congress on Wednesday, aiming to bolster American support for the war in Gaza and shift the focus from recent domestic political issues. This address comes at a pivotal moment in the war, with potential signs of progress towards a deal that could secure the release of Hamas-held hostages and pave the way for a ceasefire. However, it also coincides with growing dissatisfaction among the American left regarding the conduct of the war, which has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a staggering death toll of over 39,000 Palestinians.
While Netanyahu seeks to rally support, some members of Congress plan to boycott his speech, citing protests against the war or scheduling conflicts. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, will be notably absent as she will be in Indianapolis on Wednesday, although she is expected to meet with Netanyahu later in the week. Other notable absences include Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray and Senator Bernie Sanders, who has openly criticized Netanyahu's government for waging a "total war" in Gaza.
Adding to the political dynamics, former President Donald Trump has announced a planned meeting with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. As Netanyahu navigates a delicate diplomatic landscape, his relationship with President Joe Biden has cooled amidst their differing views on the war's trajectory and the rising death toll in Gaza. Their long-standing acquaintance has not prevented public disagreements and subtle criticisms. Biden has expressed his desire for a ceasefire, questioned Israel's actions, and even suggested that Netanyahu may be prolonging the war for political gain. Netanyahu, in turn, has accused the US of withholding military support, an allegation denied by American officials.
While Netanyahu seeks to rally support, some members of Congress plan to boycott his speech, citing protests against the war or scheduling conflicts. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, will be notably absent as she will be in Indianapolis on Wednesday, although she is expected to meet with Netanyahu later in the week. Other notable absences include Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray and Senator Bernie Sanders, who has openly criticized Netanyahu's government for waging a "total war" in Gaza.
Adding to the political dynamics, former President Donald Trump has announced a planned meeting with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. As Netanyahu navigates a delicate diplomatic landscape, his relationship with President Joe Biden has cooled amidst their differing views on the war's trajectory and the rising death toll in Gaza. Their long-standing acquaintance has not prevented public disagreements and subtle criticisms. Biden has expressed his desire for a ceasefire, questioned Israel's actions, and even suggested that Netanyahu may be prolonging the war for political gain. Netanyahu, in turn, has accused the US of withholding military support, an allegation denied by American officials.