Netanyahu seeks to bolster US support with Congress speech

In a pivotal moment for US-Israel relations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of the United States Congress, seeking to reinforce support for Israel's ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip. This high-profile visit comes amid mounting international scrutiny and domestic challenges for the Israeli premier.

The invitation, extended by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, underscores the GOP's unwavering backing of Israel. However, the address has sparked controversy, with several Democratic lawmakers announcing their intention to boycott the event. Their decision stems from concerns over the scale of US military assistance to Israel, given the staggering Palestinian casualty figures in Gaza.

Netanyahu's US itinerary is packed with significant engagements. Following his Congressional address on Wednesday, he is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. In an unusual diplomatic move, Netanyahu will also hold a separate meeting with former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

The Israeli Prime Minister has stated his intention to "present the truth about our just war" during his address to Congress. This marks his first international trip since the conflict with Hamas erupted nearly ten months ago. Netanyahu continues to face both international and domestic pressure for his handling of the war, which has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Adding to the complexity of Netanyahu's visit is a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, which declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories "illegal." Israel has rejected this ruling, further intensifying the diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.

The visit has also mobilized pro-Palestinian activists, with thousands expected to converge on Washington for a "day of rage." In anticipation of potential disruptions, Speaker Johnson has issued a stern warning against protests inside the House chamber, threatening arrests if necessary.

The atmosphere in Washington is already charged. On Tuesday, approximately 200 Jewish American peace activists staged a protest in the Capitol building complex, voicing their opposition to Netanyahu's speech. Clad in red T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as "Not in our name" and "Jews say stop arming Israel," the protesters were eventually removed by police.

Netanyahu's visit comes at a time when his relationship with the US administration has grown increasingly strained, particularly among prominent Democrats. President Biden has become more critical of Israel as the war persists and the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. Biden, who recently withdrew from the presidential race, has faced pressure from the progressive wing of his party to exert more influence on Israel to limit its military operations in Gaza.

Vice President Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee for the upcoming election, will notably be absent from her constitutional role as president of the Senate during Netanyahu's address. This decision reflects the growing unease within the Democratic Party regarding the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli Prime Minister's speech has already prompted at least nine senators to announce their intention to skip the event. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, while affirming his support for Israel, stated he would not "stand and cheer" for its current leadership. Senator Bernie Sanders, in a more pointed critique, declared his boycott in protest of what he termed the "total war" waged by Netanyahu's government in Gaza. Sanders emphasized that Netanyahu's policies in Gaza and the West Bank, along with his resistance to a two-state solution, "should be roundly condemned."

The backdrop to Netanyahu's visit is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which Israel launched in response to Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. Since then, according to Gaza's health ministry, more than 39,000 people have been killed in the territory. These figures, however, do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

As the offensive continues, new concerns are emerging. The World Health Organization has expressed extreme worry about the potential outbreak of the highly infectious polio virus in Gaza, following the detection of traces in wastewater.

Netanyahu's address to Congress represents a critical juncture in US-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. As he steps onto this international stage, the Israeli Prime Minister faces the challenge of justifying his government's actions to an increasingly divided audience, both within the halls of Congress and on the global stage. The outcomes of this visit could have far-reaching implications for the future of US support for Israel and the trajectory of the Gaza conflict.

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