What's happened
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on July 24, 2024, defending Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties. His speech was met with protests outside the Capitol, where thousands demonstrated against the war. Many Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, boycotted the address, citing humanitarian concerns. Netanyahu's remarks highlighted the growing divisions within U.S. politics regarding support for Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Why it matters
Netanyahu's address to Congress underscores a pivotal moment in U.S.-Israel relations, revealing a significant shift in bipartisan support. The protests and boycotts reflect growing discontent among American lawmakers and the public regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in a high civilian death toll. This event may influence future U.S. foreign policy and aid to Israel, as well as the political landscape in the upcoming elections, particularly with Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as a key figure in the Democratic Party.
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that Netanyahu's speech was met with a notable boycott from Democrats, with Nancy Pelosi calling it the worst presentation by a foreign dignitary in Congress. The New York Times highlighted the divisions within Congress, noting that while Republicans applauded Netanyahu, many Democrats remained silent or absent. Protests outside the Capitol were significant, with over 5,000 demonstrators voicing their opposition to the war, as reported by multiple sources including SBS and the Independent.
How we got here
The backdrop to Netanyahu's speech is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, Israel has conducted a military campaign that has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating over 39,000 deaths in Gaza. This has led to increasing criticism from various sectors, including within the U.S. political landscape, where support for Israel has traditionally been strong but is now facing scrutiny due to humanitarian concerns.
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