Democratic members of Congress angry over Netanyahu’s invitation to speak at Congress.
Progressive “Squad” Democrats Express Outrage Over Netanyahu’s Congress Invitation
A recent decision to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress has stirred controversy among progressive “Squad” Democrats, with Reps. Greg Casar and Ayanna Pressley leading the charge against what they view as a misguided move.
Pressley voiced her concerns by stating, “We should not be creating a platform and welcoming an accused war criminal.” The invitation to Netanyahu, who accepted the bipartisan offer last week, has intensified the already heated debate surrounding his leadership during the conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu, in response to the invitation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Israel before Congress and vowed to present the truth about the country’s actions against those who pose a threat. Despite Netanyahu’s acceptance, a specific date for his address has yet to be determined.
The decision to invite Netanyahu, particularly amidst scrutiny over his handling of the Gaza conflict, has elicited strong condemnation from members of the left. The International Criminal Court’s intention to seek arrest warrants against top Israeli and Hamas officials, including Netanyahu, has further fueled the debate.
Rep. Casar, when asked about attending the speech, stated, “I don’t plan to attend and will participate in advocacy efforts urging Netanyahu and Hamas to agree on a ceasefire.”
In a similar vein, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed skepticism about the productivity of Netanyahu’s speech, indicating that she may not attend. She emphasized the need for productive diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and criticized the decision to invite Netanyahu as potentially counterproductive.
Speaker Mike Johnson had been lobbying Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to extend the invitation to Netanyahu. Johnson’s persistence highlights the divide between progressive Democrats who advocate for a firmer stance on Gaza and establishment Democrats who prioritize maintaining strong ties with allies like Israel.
The issue of Israel’s actions in Gaza has exacerbated existing tensions within the Democratic party, with far-left lawmakers criticizing President Biden’s response and warning of potential consequences in the 2024 presidential election. The vote to impose sanctions on the ICC, despite White House opposition, reflects the deep-seated disagreements within the party.
The invitation to Netanyahu and the ensuing backlash from progressive Democrats underscore the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations and the divergent perspectives within the Democratic party. As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s address will impact diplomatic efforts in the region.
