Lawmakers Boycott Netanyahu's Speech Amid Rising Gaza Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress was marked by the absence of several Democratic lawmakers, protesting Israel's Gaza campaign. Demonstrations flared outside the Capitol, leading to heavy security. Netanyahu's address emphasized U.S.-Israel unity, called for action against Iran, and was less confrontational than his 2015 visit.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers abstained from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Congress address, expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's Gaza operations. Outside the Capitol, protests escalated, leading to the tightest security since the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. A high fence and a heavy police presence marked the scene.

Despite the protests, Netanyahu received a standing ovation as he addressed a joint Senate and House meeting in a politically charged Washington. He emphasized the need for U.S.-Israel unity, stating, 'America and Israel must stand together,' while focusing on the volatile Middle East situation.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination to challenge Donald Trump. Netanyahu's speech, his fourth to a joint meeting of Congress, highlighted concerns about potential regional conflict escalation, Iranian nuclear advances, and aimed to bolster traditional ties with U.S. Republicans while seeking to ease tensions with Biden.