Netanyahu Enjoys Rapturous, Lengthy Standing Ovation in United States Congress
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a rapturous standing ovation from members of Congress during his joint session address on Wednesday.
The event has drawn criticism Democratic members and protesters as the devastating war in Gaza rages on. Netanyahu’s trip to D.C. comes as his right-wing government approaches a nearly ten month war in the region that has led to the deaths of nearly 40,000 Palestinians.
When Netanyahu entered the House chamber on Wednesday, lawmakers stood to greet the Israeli leader with a standing ovation that lasted minutes after he arrived to his speaking podium.
As he arrived, Netanyahu did not shake hands with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, but did so with moderate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) along with a few other Democrats. The majority of the handshakes and personal greetings Netanyahu received were from Republicans.
Moreover, a large portion of Democratic lawmakers from both chambers skipped the speech altogether in order to snub the foreign leader.
According to Axios Congressional reporter Andrew Solender, roughly 100 of the 212 House Democrats and 27 of the 51 Senate Democrats were in attendance while the remaining members were not in attendance.
By my count, roughly 100 of the 212 House Democrats and 27 of 51 Senate Democrats (and Dem-caucusing independents) are in the chamber for Netanyahu’s speech.
That’s around half of each caucus absent. https://t.co/1wF75qw3Bi
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) July 24, 2024
Following his anticipated joint meeting of Congress, Netanyahu will meet with President Joe Biden for the first time since he announced he would not seek a second term. The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday at the White House.
Watch the clip above via Fox News.
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