Progressives vow to boycott Netanyahu’s joint address

Progressive Democrats are planning to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, citing objections to his actions in the Israel-Hamas war.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., stated that he will not attend as Netanyahu has nothing to offer his district. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., and Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Ill., also expressed their concerns about Netanyahu’s policies and coalition.

Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, mentioned the importance of showing disagreement with Netanyahu but may not change his schedule to attend. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., called for Netanyahu to be sent to the Hague as she believes he is a war criminal.

Despite some opposition, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., plans to invite Netanyahu to speak, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his support for the Prime Minister’s appearance.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed Congress recently, but some Democrats are hesitant to listen to Netanyahu due to his policies. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., refused to discuss attending, citing the deaths in Gaza.

However, Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., stated that their support for Israel remains strong, despite disappointment over civilian casualties in the war.