{"id":23902,"date":"2024-07-26T10:13:52","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T07:13:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=23902"},"modified":"2024-07-26T10:15:05","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T07:15:05","slug":"thousands-protest-in-washington-as-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-visits-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/thousands-protest-in-washington-as-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-visits-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands protest in Washington as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visits US"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a charged speech to Congress on July 24, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to achieve \u201ctotal victory\u201d against Hamas and sharply criticized American opponents of the Gaza war as \u201cidiots.\u201d As U.S. lawmakers cheered Netanyahu\u2019s speech, thousands protested in Washington to call for an end to the Gaza war and rebuke the Israeli prime minister as a \u2018war criminal\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Netanyahu emphasized the strong ties between the U.S. and Israel, stating, \u201cAmerica and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose.\u201d However, his remarks also included derisive comments towards U.S. protesters, calling them \u201cuseful idiots\u201d for Israel\u2019s adversaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The speech also met with the stony silence of many leading Democrats. Among the most notable reactions was Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who held a sign reading \u201cWAR CRIMINAL\u201d and \u201cGUILTY OF GENOCIDE,\u201d reflecting her strong opposition to Netanyahu\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 60 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahu\u2019s speech. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it \u201cthe worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The absence of Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Patty Murray was also noted, with Sen. Ben Cardin stepping in as \u201csenator pro tempore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Israeli<\/a>
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing the Congress on July 24, 2023. (Image Credit: X\/@IsraeliPM)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Netanyahu\u2019s speech, during his first trip abroad since the war began, did not mention U.S.-led efforts for a cease-fire or hostage release, though he did praise former President Donald Trump, lauding his contributions to Israel. Netanyahu will also meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on July 26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Protests<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside the Capitol, thousands of protesters condemned the war and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Some protests turned chaotic, with demonstrators near Union Station spray-painting statuary and replacing American flags with Palestinian ones. Security forces clashed with protesters, using batons and tear gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families of American hostages in Gaza expressed profound disappointment with Netanyahu\u2019s speech, criticizing his failure to commit to a hostage deal. Their joint statement highlighted a call from Israeli defense and intelligence officials for Netanyahu to engage in negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Netanyahu\u2019s visit comes amid political turmoil in the U.S., including an assassination attempt on Trump and Biden\u2019s decision not to seek another term. The visit also faces the shadow of arrest warrants sought by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes. The United States does not recognize the ICC.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Demonstrators burn the U.S. flag ahead of a joint meeting of Congress with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. (Image Credit: X\/@EliseStefanik)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Despite the controversies, Netanyahu\u2019s appearance aimed to portray him as a respected statesman on the global stage. However, growing numbers of Israelis and international observers accuse him of prolonging the war to avoid a likely fall from power post-conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Meetings with Biden and Harris<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

U.S. President Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on July 25. Both leaders discussed developments in Gaza and the ongoing negotiations on the ceasefire and hostage release deal in detail, according to the White House statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the meeting, U.S. President Biden expressed the need to \u201cclose the remaining gaps, finalize the deal as soon as possible, bring the hostages home, and reach a durable end to the war in Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biden also raised the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and highlighted the need to \u201cremove any obstacles to the flow of aid and restoring basic services\u201d for those in need, as well as the \u201ccritical importance of protecting civilian lives during military operations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist \u2013 I thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel. pic.twitter.com\/neDIHRPKtF<\/a><\/p>— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 25, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>