House Speaker Mike Johnson has issued a stern warning ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled address to Congress on July 24. Johnson announced that any disruptions during the speech would result in immediate arrests. Emphasizing a “zero-tolerance” policy, he confirmed that additional Capitol Police officers and sergeants-at-arms would be deployed to maintain order and prevent interruptions.
Protests are anticipated outside the Capitol during Netanyahu’s visit, and tensions are already rising. Demonstrators recently gathered inside the Cannon House Office Building, leading to multiple arrests. These actions underscore the polarizing nature of Netanyahu’s presence, as many continue to express outrage over Israel’s policies, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Vice President Kamala Harris will not be attending Netanyahu’s speech, opting instead to participate in a previously scheduled event with the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Her absence has drawn criticism from Speaker Johnson, who viewed it as a political snub at a sensitive diplomatic moment. The decision reflects a growing divide within the Democratic Party over U.S. support for Israel.
A significant number of Democratic lawmakers have also indicated they will boycott the address, a move that echoes the widespread Democratic boycott of Netanyahu’s 2015 speech to Congress. Many cite concerns over Netanyahu’s hardline policies and the potential politicization of his appearance before a deeply divided Congress.
Adding to the political tension, commentator Bill Maher recently questioned Vice President Harris’s viability as a 2024 presidential candidate. He criticized her past campaign failures and current public image, suggesting that Democrats could face difficulties if she becomes the nominee.
