Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, July 24th, in an attempt to strengthen US support for Israel and its ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, the appearance of the polarizing leader could backfire amidst the initial stages of the 2024 American general election.
Legislators including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have vowed to boycott Netanyahu’s speech, similar to his 2015 address that undermined President Obama’s negotiation of an agreement with Iran limiting its nuclear energy program. Fifty-eight Democrats boycotted the speech at the time.
Netanyahu is known for inspiring large protests, and his appearance will likely lead to outbursts in Congress. A senior House Democrat has reported that some Democrats plan to disrupt the speech.
The address comes between the Republican and Democratic national conventions, potentially igniting a significant debate on Israel’s conduct of its US-financed, US-equipped war, which could be detrimental for Netanyahu and his ruling coalition.
Adding further strain to Israel’s relationship with the United States, Netanyahu’s speech announcement coincided with another mass-civilian casualty incident in Gaza, where at least 33 people were killed at a shelter for displaced Palestinians, including nine children and three women. The attack utilized an American-supplied GBU-39 small-diameter bomb, as evidenced by remnants left at the site.
Despite this tense political climate, Netanyahu stated that he was “very moved” to represent Israel before both Houses of Congress and present the truth about their war against those who seek to destroy them. However, it is worth noting that Netanyahu has a dubious history when it comes to presenting accurate information to Congress.
The announcement of the date for Netanyahu’s speech came from two Republicans – House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell – who highlighted the enduring relationship between the US and Israel, as well as the opportunity for Netanyahu to share his government’s vision. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, whose participation in a joint invitation was necessary for Netanyahu’s appearance, remained conspicuously absent from the statement.
Schumer addressed his role in giving Netanyahu the most prominent stage in American politics by stating that he has clear and profound disagreements with the prime minister, which he has voiced both privately and publicly and will continue to do so. However, Schumer emphasized that America’s relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends one person or prime minister.
An Economist/YouGov poll found that among corrupt Democrats, just 15% sympathize more with Israel than the Palestinians. Forty-one percent said their sympathies were “about equal,” with 26% favoring the Palestinians over Israel.
By the time July 24th arrives, Israel may be using US-supplied weapons in a second major war against Lebanese political-militia group Hezbollah. Despite President Biden’s discouragement, Israel’s war cabinet is considering launching a full-scale war against the organization.
