Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak at a joint meeting of Congress in Washington next month, sparking a divide among Democrats regarding attendance. While Republicans are largely in support of Netanyahu addressing Congress, Democrats are facing internal discord that could potentially fracture the party.
Some progressive members, including Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, have announced their decision not to attend the address, citing concerns about aligning with Netanyahu's views. On the other hand, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have approved the invitation for Netanyahu, along with other key figures in Congress.
The decision to attend the address has become a point of contention within the Democratic caucus, with varying opinions on the matter. While some members emphasize the importance of individual choice based on representing their districts, others express strong opposition to Netanyahu addressing Congress.
Netanyahu's upcoming speech will mark his fourth address to a joint meeting of Congress, making him the first foreign leader to achieve this milestone. The event is seen as politically charged, with Republicans hoping to highlight potential low attendance by Democrats in an election year.
Despite the complexities surrounding Netanyahu's address, the event is expected to draw significant attention and scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum. The decision of whether to attend the speech has become a focal point for Democrats, reflecting broader divisions within the party.
