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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on July 24, marking his fourth formal speech to both houses of Congress. This address comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and significant political developments in the United States.
Protesters gathered by the thousands outside the U.S. Capitol and around 200 demonstrators were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building during a sit-in against the war in Gaza, as reported by NPR. The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, aimed to draw attention to the ongoing violence in Gaza and included over a dozen rabbis among those arrested.
Inside the Capitol, Netanyahu’s address focused on the challenges Israel faces, particularly the conflict with Hamas. This comes as Israel continues its efforts to recover hostages and combat the militant group following the brutal attacks on southern Israel last year, which initiated the prolonged Israel-Hamas War in Gaza, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, chose to skip Netanyahu’s address. Instead, she delivered a keynote speech at the Zeta Phi Beta sorority’s Grand Boulé in Indianapolis, per Fox News. Harris’ absence was notable as she was scheduled to preside over the joint session of Congress. Additionally, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance also did not attend the address, highlighting the political tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s visit.
The Epoch Times reported that Netanyahu’s visit occurs at a critical time, with ongoing efforts for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently indicated that a cease-fire deal was close to completion. President Biden, who suspended his re-election campaign just days before Netanyahu’s visit, is scheduled to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister on July 25, where they will discuss the ongoing conflict and meet with the families of American hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu’s speech and the surrounding protests underscore the complex and fraught nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as the significant political dynamics at play in the United States.
References:
The Jerusalem Post: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses US Congress
Fox News: Harris boycotts Netanyahu, snubs Israeli leader’s wartime address to give sorority speech
NPR: About 200 people protesting Gaza war arrested in congressional building, police say
The Epoch Times: Netanyahu to Address Congress Amid Ongoing War, US Election Shakeup