Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced intense protests during his visit to Washington, D.C. A wave of demonstrators showed up to oppose Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, with many lawmakers refusing to attend his speech at Congress. Police arrested approximately 200 protesters at the Capitol building, where chants echoed against Netanyahu’s policies. The uproar extended to the Watergate Hotel, where protesters disrupted his stay by releasing maggots. The Palestinian Youth Movement shared a video condemning Netanyahu’s actions. Despite the chaos, the hotel assured that it had been sanitized.
Road closures and heightened police presence preceded Netanyahu’s address, as thousands rallied around Capitol Hill demanding justice for Palestine. The protesters, waving flags and holding signs, made their message unmistakable. A few confrontations led to arrests, underscoring the tension surrounding the visit. Notable figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Rashida Tlaib stood out in their absence or dissent during Netanyahu’s speech. Tlaib’s bold statements reflected the ongoing strife in the region.
Netanyahu’s upcoming meetings with President Biden and Vice President Harris suggest discussions on Gaza and potential peace initiatives. The visit is also set to include a meeting with former President Trump, highlighting the political complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.