A number of Democratic lawmakers are planning to participate in a series of counter-programming events on Wednesday instead of attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. This highlights the ongoing division among Democrats regarding Israel’s handling of its conflict with Hamas.
During Netanyahu’s expected address to Congress, progressive nonprofit groups will host an event in the Capitol that several Democratic lawmakers are anticipated to attend. The event, titled “Peace is Possible: An Alternative Vision for Israel and Palestine,” will feature Israeli and Palestinian peace leaders and is organized by organizations such as the Center for American Progress and Middle East Democracy Center.
Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal is set to deliver opening remarks at the event. Additionally, Democratic Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Greg Casar will host a Zoom news conference with a coalition of progressives to advocate for an arms embargo against Israel, citing concerns about human rights violations resulting from supplying weapons to the country.
Separately, senior House Democrats including Representatives Jim Clyburn, Rosa DeLauro, and Jamie Raskin will meet with the families of Israeli hostages kidnapped during a recent Hamas terror attack. It is reported that around 80 House Democrats and at least six Democratic senators are expected to skip Netanyahu’s speech, as confirmed by sources and public statements. House Democratic leadership has granted members the autonomy to decide whether to attend the speech.
