Published on June 11, 2024, 12:36 am

Mounting tensions within the Democratic Party have led to increasing calls for a boycott of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s forthcoming speech to Congress. The controversial development unfolds just after Israel successfully rescued four hostages held captive by Hamas.

Despite sharp criticism from various quarters of the Democratic Party and media over how Israel executed the rescue operation, some Democrats are planning to avoid next month’s address by Benjamin Netanyahu. Their collective sentiment echoes widespread disapproval of not only his management of the Hamas conflict but also perceived slights towards President Biden’s proposed approach, prompting strong calls for liberal protest in Capitol Hill.

Two prominent Democrats previously presaged this dissent when there were whispers that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had intentions to invite Netanyahu as a strategic response to negative opinions about the conservative Israeli leader circling within their party. Given that this invitation has now been made official, with the speech slated for July 24, an increased number of progressive Democrats have begun formally stating their intention to abstain from attendance.

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) announced his decision not to attend as a gesture of protest against Netanyahu. Similarly, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) cited past contentions between Obama and Netanyahu as reasons for his unenthusiastic attitude toward attending. An unnamed Democrat voiced plans not only to skip the address but also participate actively in anti-Israel demonstrations.

Exemplifying others’ viewpoints regarding non-attendance was Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who stated she had spoken with numerous lawmakers across both Chambers who expressed reservations about going despite previous attendance.

However, it is important to emphasise that while some Democrats have chosen non-participation as their form of response, others openly support Israel and intend to be present at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address. In particular, Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA) stressed that from his perspective: “Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) noted each Congressional representative must decide on their degree of engagement based on what they believe suits the electorate they represent. He acknowledges that while several lawmakers, such as Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), approve of Israel’s efforts against Hamas, there is a contrasting push for a ceasefire.

The situation remains volatile as Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) seem to show a favorable inclination towards Hamas, endorsing numerous pro-Hamas demonstrations sprouting across the US since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7.

This divide within the Democrats gained further media attention when a group of pro-Hamas demonstrators instigated protests in downtown Los Angeles and other major cities soon after Israeli Defense Forces freed the hostages.

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