Quick Hit:

Over 40 House and Senate Democrats plan to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress Wednesday, citing various reasons for their absence.

Key Details:

• The boycott includes Vice President Harris, Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray, and Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among others.

• Some lawmakers will boycott entirely, others will listen from their offices, and some have organized counter-programming events.

• The primary reasons cited include opposition to Netanyahu's government and opposition to Israel's military response to Hamas's attack on October 7th of last year.

Diving Deeper:

More than 40 House and Senate Democrats are planning to skip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress today. This boycott highlights significant divisions within the Democratic Party over Netanyahu’s policies, particularly regarding Israel’s military response to Hamas' attack on October 7th of last year.

Senator Patty Murray, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, emphasized the need for a ceasefire. Murray stated, “Securing a lasting, mutual ceasefire is of the utmost importance right now, and I will continue to push for one to be reached as soon as possible.”

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin criticized Netanyahu’s strategy in Gaza, describing it as "beyond any acceptable level of self-defense." Durbin affirmed his support for Israel but refused to attend Netanyahu’s speech to show his disapproval of the current policies.

Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, condemned the invitation extended to Netanyahu, calling it “utterly disgraceful” and asserting that Netanyahu should be “arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court.” 

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed Tlaib’s sentiments, referring to Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and criticizing both parties for inviting him to address Congress. Ocasio-Cortez’s statement underscores a broader frustration among progressive Democrats regarding U.S. support for Netanyahu.

Florida Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost also announced his decision to skip the speech, expressing his disapproval of Netanyahu’s leadership and policies.

Ahead of Netanyahu’s speech, a pro-Palestinian protest organized by Jewish Voice for Peace resulted in approximately 200 arrests in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building. Protesters voiced their opposition to Netanyahu’s policies and the U.S. government’s support for his administration. Stefanie Fox, Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace, criticized the Biden administration and Congress for their ongoing support of the Israeli government, urging U.S. leaders to take immediate action to end the violence in Gaza.

Netanyahu's visit to Washington, D.C., includes meetings with key U.S. political figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and President Joe Biden. Discussions are expected to focus on developments in Gaza, prospects for a ceasefire, and the release of American hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump later this week at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.