Family members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are preparing to attend his address to a joint meeting of Congress in Washington, DC. They gathered at a hotel to brainstorm potential actions during the speech but have not yet finalized a plan.
Many of these family members have traveled from Israel to the US for the event and are deliberating on how to respectfully challenge Netanyahu while showing gratitude to American lawmakers who support a deal. They aim to strike a balance between voicing their concerns and maintaining diplomatic decorum.
Maya Roman, representing one of the families, expressed the need to make a strategic decision that would be most beneficial for their cause. They are contemplating symbolic gestures such as using hand signals or wearing matching yellow shirts. Additionally, they have encouraged members of Congress to display solidarity by wearing yellow ribbons and dog tags in support of hostages.
The families have ruled out disruptive actions like yelling during the address, as they believe it could hinder their efforts. They are mindful of the influence Republican lawmakers may have in persuading Netanyahu to consider a deal and are seeking their support.
Roman highlighted the importance of garnering criticism from Republican members, as it may prompt Netanyahu to be more receptive to a potential agreement. The families are strategically engaging with lawmakers to maximize their impact.
While some family members will be present inside the chamber during Netanyahu's speech, others plan to participate in protests outside. Their collective efforts reflect a coordinated approach to advocate for their cause while navigating the complexities of diplomatic relations.
