Demand Progress

U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Jim Clyburn have joined a growing number of congressional Democrats who say they will NOT attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before Congress.¹

The Israeli military has killed 35,000 Palestinians and 200 aid workers in Gaza. Food, water, and medical aid has been stopped from reaching people in Gaza, causing a million people to face starvation.

Instead of engaging with international partners to broker a diplomatic peace deal, Netanyahu has been actively opposing a ceasefire. Our leaders cannot lend legitimacy to Netanyahu by attending his speech while the onslaught against Palestinians continues. Our leaders can no longer support Netanyahu and the Israeli military with weapons and funding.

Sign the petition: Urge Congress to call for a permanent, immediate ceasefire and end offensive military support for Israel.

Senator Bernie Sanders was the first to speak out against congressional leaders inviting Netanyahu and say he wouldn’t attend the Prime Minister’s speech. Now, many others are joining, just as many others have joined the calls to end our offensive military support for Israel. A permanent ceasefire is the only way forward in Gaza, but Netanyahu is unwilling to broker a deal.

When Democratic congressional leaders signed the invitation to Netanyahu, they handed Mike Johnson and Mitch McConnell a political gift. The GOP is using the speech to try to villainize anyone who doesn’t attend. And last time Netanyahu gave a speech in front of Congress, he railed against Democrats and the Obama administration.

Our leaders must change U.S. policy in Gaza to stop the ongoing atrocities.

Sign the petition: Permanent ceasefire now. Stop sending offensive weapons to Israel.

Sources:

1. Huffington Post, "Rep. Ro Khanna Joins Other Lawmakers In Boycotting Netanyahu's Speech To Congress,” June 16, 2024.