Thousands Protest Netanyahu’s Congressional Address Amid Deep Divisions Over Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Thousands of demonstrators gathered and several arrests were made around the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, July 24, in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress. The protests reflected widespread frustration and outrage towards Netanyahu.

Inside the Capitol, however, Netanyahu was met with overwhelming support. In his speech, he framed Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, as an existential conflict between “those who glorify death and those who sanctify life.” He emphasized the importance of U.S.-Israel unity, stating, “For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together. Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: When we win, they lose. And my friends, I came to assure you today of one thing: We will win.”

Netanyahu’s remarks heavily focused on the Hamas-led attack on October 7 in southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and led to hundreds being taken hostage. The Israeli response has resulted in nearly 39,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. Netanyahu compared the Hamas attack to the attacks on Pearl Harbor and September 11, calling October 7 “a day that will live in infamy.”

He referenced individuals in the audience, such as freed hostages and Israeli soldiers, describing them as embodying the “spirit of the Maccabees,” ancient Jewish warriors. Billionaire Elon Musk was also present, having been invited by Netanyahu.

The speech was boycotted by more than 50 Democratic lawmakers and Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent. Vice President Kamala Harris, the leading Democratic presidential candidate after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, also chose not to attend. She is expected to meet with Netanyahu and Biden, who is recovering from COVID-19, later this week.

Notably absent were members of “the Squad,” including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, and Ilhan Omar, all of whom have supported pro-Palestinian demonstrations. However, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, attended, wearing a black-and-white kaffiyeh and a Palestinian flag pin. Throughout Netanyahu’s speech, Tlaib held a sign that read “War criminal” on one side and “Guilty of genocide” on the other.

Netanyahu criticized the ongoing protests in the U.S. and Israel, accusing Iran of funding them and calling the protesters “Iran’s useful idiots.”

Outside, various groups gathered to protest. The Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker group, held signs demanding a ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel. The Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, head of the Christian social justice group Sojourners, spoke about the need for repentance and peace from both Israel and the U.S. Sally Ethelston, a deacon at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, emphasized the moral responsibility to stand against injustice and for peace.

Prominent Muslim activist Linda Sarsour criticized both Republicans and Democrats for inviting Netanyahu, whom she called a war criminal. She praised the increase in pro-Palestinian activism, especially among faith-based groups, and called for voices of justice and peace to rise above those of division and hate.

In a nearby park, rabbis and Jewish demonstrators, organized by the liberal-leaning group T’ruah, held a protest-themed morning prayer. Rabbi Jenna Shaw condemned Netanyahu’s actions, stating that attempts to negotiate the release of Israeli hostages had been “torpedoed by Netanyahu.” She rejected the notion that Jewish safety requires Palestinian suffering and opposed Netanyahu’s vision of ongoing conflict.

On the west side of the Capitol, a rally organized by various secular and religious groups, including the ANSWER Coalition and the Palestinian Youth Movement, called for Netanyahu’s arrest, accusing him of war crimes. The demonstration featured signs depicting Netanyahu with devil horns and blood, symbolizing his role in the conflict. Ayah Ziyadeh, advocacy director for American Muslims for Palestine, urged Americans to reject war criminals and advocate for justice.

Although the day’s protests were mostly peaceful, some demonstrators clashed with police after Netanyahu’s speech, resulting in arrests and the use of pepper spray by officers. At Union Station, protesters replaced American flags with Palestinian ones and burned an effigy of Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s address to Congress was met with both fervent support inside the Capitol and intense opposition outside. His speech and the subsequent protests highlight the deep divisions and passionate responses surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.