Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a depleted House as many US lawmakers boycott his speech. Reasons for absence include opposition to his far-right government and war approach. Pro-Palestinian activists plan to protest Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza, seeking a citizen’s arrest amidst ICC deliberations.
Protesters accuse Congress of complicity in Israeli war crimes and demand an end to US military aid to Israel. Despite ongoing mass pro-Palestinian protests, the Biden administration continues to support Israel diplomatically. The speech comes as President Biden announces he will not seek reelection, endorsing VP Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.
Harris, not attending the speech, will meet privately with Netanyahu, sparking criticism from protesters. The current situation, marked by ongoing war in Gaza and continued support for Israel, demonstrates a concerning lack of change in US foreign policy.