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Reps. Jayapal and Bera to boycott Netanyahu's address to US Congress
Netanyahu will address the U.S. Congress at 2 p.m. (18:00 GMT) on July.24, making it his fourth address to the legislative body.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera / Facebook/Pramila Jayapal, Facebook/Ami Bera
Indian American lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera have announced their plans to boycott Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United States Congress.
Netanyahu, who arrived in Washington on July.22, has received significant backlash for his visit amid his country’s ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal strongly condemned Netanyahu’s invitation to speak before the Congress. “I cannot in good conscience sit and listen to him speak as Palestinian people starve and hostages, including Israelis and Americans, remain in captivity,” she stated.
Jayapal criticised Netanyahu’s use of U.S. taxpayer money for military actions in Gaza, which she claims have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and humanitarian crises. She further accused Netanyahu of opposing a two-state solution and said that this contradicts the official position of the U.S.
“I do not believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu is interested in reaching a deal for a ceasefire that would return the hostages and bring peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians,” she added. Jayapal announced plans to join a panel discussion on the path to peace, featuring leaders dedicated to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Rep. Ami Bera echoed his colleague’s decision to boycott Netanyahu’s address, citing his concerns for Israel’s future and the plight of American hostages held by Hamas. “It is imperative to agree to a ceasefire, release the hostages, and negotiate a future that promises peace and stability for Israelis and Palestinians,” Bera stated.
He urged Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire deal brokered by President Biden to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians and secure the release of hostages.
Both lawmakers emphasised the need for strong leadership and a commitment to peace, criticising Netanyahu’s approach as counterproductive to achieving lasting stability in the region.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Joe Biden on July.25, marking Biden's first meeting with a foreign leader since announcing he will not seek re-election in November.
He will address the U.S. Congress at 2 p.m. (18:00 GMT) on July.24, making it his fourth address to the legislative body-an unprecedented number for any foreign leader. Former President Donald Trump will also host Netanyahu on July.26 at his resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
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