The Israeli prime minister was in the US for a record fourth speech to Congress
Protestors attempt to block streets in Washington, DC on July 24, 2024. © Michael A. McCoy / Getty Images
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been greeted by crows of pro-Palestinian protesters on the streets of Washington DC, as he arrived to ask for more support from the US Congress.
Wednesday’s address is Netanyahu’s fourth before the US lawmakers, surpassing the previous historic record of three speeches by British leader Winston Churchill.
Capitol Hill was fortified ahead of the event, with dozens of Washington streets closed and patrolled by heavily armed police, some brought in from other jurisdictions.
‘Free Palestine,’ ‘Stop War Crimes in Gaza,’ ‘End All Aid to Israel’ and ‘War Criminal’ were just some of the signs carried by protesters, who picketed the Capitol, the White House, and the Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu was reportedly staying.
A massive demonstration is taking place right now near the Congress in Washington DC in protest against Netanyahu's visit and demanding his arrest for war crimes in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/JauhRjjC9X
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) July 24, 2024
“Netanyahu come outside, we’re arresting you for genocide!” chanted one group of demonstrators.
🗣️“NETANYAHU COME OUTSIDE — WE’RE ARRESTING YOU FOR GENOCIDE!”Washington DC rallies against the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister and war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu! pic.twitter.com/ksKtbTd6M1
— ANSWER Coalition (@answercoalition) July 24, 2024
Overnight, groups of activists poured red dye into fountains outside the congressional complex and projected signs on nearby buildings calling the Israeli leader a war criminal.
BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS 🩸 Protesting Netanyahu’s visit to deliver a speech to Congress, activists in Washington DC dyed multiple fountains around Capitol Hill with red and projections cast demanding the arrest of war criminal Netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/m13OWxJoQK
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) July 24, 2024
Crowds of protesters also picketed the Watergate Hotel, making noise so Netanyahu – or any other guests or residents – could not sleep.
*WANTED ARREST NETANYAHU* is projected on the Watergate Hotel in Washington DC…Netanyahu has apparently been forced to move from the hotel…🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ptvjs7Zoks
— Pelham (@Resist_05) July 24, 2024
“BIBI WAR CRIMINAL” was also projected on the hotel facade.
WANTED: #ArrestNetanyahu was projected onto the windows of the hotel Netanyahu is staying at in Washington DC. Bibi, wherever you go, you will hear that you are a war criminal. pic.twitter.com/GmDQVNZlaz
— Dr. Omar Suleiman (@omarsuleiman504) July 24, 2024
According to one report, pro-Palestinian activists also pulled fire alarms inside the hotel and released worms and crickets inside
The DC Palestinian Youth Movement released maggots and crickets were released throughout the Watergate Hotel where Netanyahu is staying. The protestors also pulled multiple fire alarms throughout the night. This is an utter security failure. pic.twitter.com/3O0XbOvoGx
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) July 24, 2024
Addressing Congress on Wednesday afternoon, Netanyahu claimed that “for all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now, outside this building.”
Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), who heads the foreign relations committee, presided over the joint session of Congress, as Vice President Kamala Harris was at a campaign event in Indiana and the next most senior senator, Patty Murray (D-Washington), chose not to attend.
Dozens of Democrats from both the House and the Senate decided to snub the event, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee members Dick Durbin, Tim Kaine, Jeff Merkley and Brian Schatz. Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were among the thirty House members who boycotted Netanyahu’s speech.
The sole Republican to snub Netanyahu, Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie, called the speech “political theater” and said he didn’t “feel like being a prop” for the Israeli leader.
