Netanyahu seeks to bolster US support with Congress speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington DC on Monday afternoon, as confirmed by the Israeli Embassy. He is set to address a joint session of the US Congress in an effort to strengthen support for Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. This invitation was extended by Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House, who aims to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict. However, several Democratic lawmakers have announced their intention to boycott the address due to concerns regarding the substantial US military assistance to Israel, especially in light of the significant number of Palestinian casualties. Netanyahu's visit to the US comes at a time when he is facing mounting pressure both internationally and domestically regarding his management of the war, which has been ongoing for nearly ten months. Following his address to Congress on Wednesday, he is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, as well as hold a separate meeting with former President Donald Trump. Trump expressed his eagerness to welcome Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida through a post on Truth Social. Netanyahu has stated that he intends to 'present the truth about our just war' during his address, marking his first trip to the US since the conflict with Hamas began. The Prime Minister's visit is also significant as it follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice, which Israel has dismissed. Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters are expected to gather in response to Netanyahu's visit. Speaker Johnson has cautioned against protests within the House chamber, warning that arrests could be made if necessary. On Tuesday, approximately 200 Jewish American peace activists staged a protest in the Capitol building complex against Netanyahu's speech. The police intervened and removed the protesters, who wore red T-shirts with slogans such as 'Not in our name' and 'Jews say stop arming Israel. ' Additionally, families of Israeli hostages gathered on Tuesday to show their support ahead of Netanyahu's address to Congress. Netanyahu's trip to Washington comes at a time when his relationship with the US has become increasingly strained, particularly among prominent Democrats. President Biden is facing political pressure from the left side of his party to take a stronger stance in urging Israel to limit its military actions in Gaza. Vice-President Harris will not preside over the Senate during Netanyahu's address, which is a notable absence. Several senators have announced their plans to skip the event, including Illinois Senator Dick Durban, who expressed his support for Israel but stated he could not stand and cheer for its current leader. Senator Bernie Sanders also declared he would not attend the speech, criticizing the 'total war' being waged by Netanyahu's government in Gaza. He emphasized that Netanyahu's policies in Gaza and the West Bank, along with his refusal to endorse a two-state solution, should be condemned. Netanyahu last addressed Congress in March 2015, during a time of heightened tensions. Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza to dismantle Hamas in response to a conflict that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. Since then, the health ministry in Gaza has reported that over 39,000 people have lost their lives, although these figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The offensive continues as the World Health Organization has expressed deep concern about the potential for an outbreak of disease in Gaza, following the discovery of traces in wastewater.