Over 200 House congressional staffers sign letter to boycott Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled address

WASHINGTON, DC: A total of 230 anonymous staff members from 122 Democratic and Republican congressional offices have signed a letter calling for Congress to protest or boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming speech on Capitol Hill.

The letter, signed by 230 House and Senate staffers, cited concerns about the ongoing war in Gaza and framed the protest as an "issue of morality" rather than politics.

House staffers urge for boycott saying Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to negotiate ceasefire 

Organized by the Congressional Progressive Staff Association, the letter urges lawmakers to speak out against Netanyahu's July 24 joint address to Congress. 

“Citizens, students, and lawmakers across the country and the world have spoken out against the actions of Mr Netanyahu in his War on Gaza,' the letter states, according to The Hill.

"Israelis have been protesting in the streets for months, decrying his failure to negotiate a ceasefire and release of hostages," the letter further states.

"We hope you will join your fellow Members of Congress in protest at his speech or in refusing to attend it," urged staff members.

Staffers and primarily progressives have consistently called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. They have participated in demonstrations, advocating for peace and humanitarian relief.

Bernie Sanders is a vocal critic of Benjamin Netanyahu 

Several Democratic lawmakers have already announced their intentions to protest Netanyahu’s speech, following a May invitation from top Democratic and Republican leaders.

It's anticipated that most, if not all, of the roughly 100 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the House and Senate will boycott or protest the speech in some capacity.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, condemned the invitation.

"Israelis have been protesting in the streets for months, decrying his failure to negotiate a ceasefire and release of hostages,” he said. Sanders reiterated his stance last month, calling Netanyahu a “war criminal.”

Benjamin Netanyahu's congressional address comes amid widespread criticism and ICC arrest warrant request 

Netanyahu’s visit marks his first to Washington since 2020. He is scheduled to address Congress and meet with President Joe Biden at the White House.

The Israeli leader's arrival comes amid widespread criticism of Israel’s nearly 10-month war in Gaza which has severely impacted Palestinian civilians' access to basic necessities like food and water.

The ICC prosecutors have also filed for an arrest warrant in May against Netanyahu which is expected to come into force anytime. 

The Biden administration is actively negotiating a ceasefire and the release of approximately 120 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. While recent statements suggested progress, an agreement has yet to be finalized.

Internet reacts to congressional staffers' letter against Benjamin Netanyahu's address 

Internet reactions have been varied with some suggesting it was unprecedented amid pending ICC warrant while others criticized the anonymity of the staffers in the letter.

Writer and columnist Daniel DePetris noted on X, “Has there ever been another time in US history when a foreign leader with a pending ICC arrest warrant over their head was invited to speak to the U.S. Congress?"

"If not, then Benjamin Netanyahu’s address next week is truly unprecedented," he added.

Another user commented, “Having a fugitive war criminal addressing your law making body isn’t the best optics.”

Others criticized Netanyahu’s intentions, with one user stating, “It is outrageous that Netanyahu plans to fly to the US next week to address the US Congress, without concluding (and apparently actively obstructing) a deal for a ceasefire & hostage deal.”

Another user remarked, “So they sign a petition anonymously, kind of like how dead people vote, I suppose.”

Another commented, “The leftists in America have no say in the defense strategy of Israel. They'd give Israel away to Palestine if they had their way.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online