Republican Congressman Thomas Massie announced that he will not be attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming speech to Congress.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Kentucky representative expressed his reasons, stating, “Today Congress will engage in political theatrics on behalf of the State Department. The purpose of Netanyahu’s speech is to boost his political image in Israel and quell international opposition to his actions of war. I refuse to be a mere prop and therefore, I will not be present.”
Earlier in the week, House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a warning to lawmakers regarding potential repercussions for disrupting Netanyahu’s speech.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday afternoon, marking his first speech since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas last October, resulting in 1,200 casualties.
In his letter, the House speaker emphasized that any disruption during the proceedings would not be tolerated and could lead to removal and arrest by the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police.
The letter also stated that Members creating disturbances would be instructed to stop immediately, with expectations that their compliance would be respected.
Several Democrats, including Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, have also declared their absence from Netanyahu’s speech. Sanders firmly stated, “No, Netanyahu should not be welcomed into the U.S. Congress. As I announced previously, I will not be attending.”
Other attendees boycotting the event include Democratic Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have openly criticized Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and his visit to Washington.
Vice President Kamala Harris, a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, will not be present at Netanyahu’s congressional address as she is traveling to Indianapolis but intends to meet with the prime minister at the White House later in the week.
Despite widespread conservative support for the Israeli government, some MAGA supporters began voicing opposition to U.S. backing of Israel following the conflict’s commencement on October 7. This date saw Hamas execute its most deadly attack on Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostage-taking. According to the Associated Press, over 39,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the nine-month war.