Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming address to Congress next month has ignited concerns and division within the Democratic Party. The Biden administration is reportedly worried that Netanyahu could criticize the president for not providing enough support to Israel during its conflict with Hamas. Additionally, progressive lawmakers have voiced their opposition to the speech, calling Netanyahu a "war criminal."
In the wake of escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's impending address to the U.S. Congress has ignited concerns and fissures within the Democratic Party. President Biden's advisers are reportedly apprehensive about Netanyahu's remarks, fearing they may contain criticisms of the president's handling of the situation.
Netanyahu's Congressional Address Sparks Concerns and Division Among Democrats
According to Politico, a senior Biden administration official expressed unease, stating, "No one knows what he's going to say." Netanyahu's expected appearance before a joint session of Congress in late July has drawn opposition from several progressive lawmakers.
One official referred to Netanyahu's recent video address, in which he accused the U.S. of reducing military aid, as "not helpful at all." They warned that his congressional speech could potentially exacerbate the situation.
Netanyahu's Congressional Address Sparks Concerns and Division Among Democrats
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 7, 2024. (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun/Pool/File)
The Biden administration has previously denied any cut in aid, with White House national security spokesman John Kirby expressing "perplexity" at Netanyahu's claims. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also stated, "We generally do not know what he's talking about."
Netanyahu's Congressional Address Sparks Concerns and Division Among Democrats
In a recent cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reiterated his claims of a "dramatic drop" in aid over the past four months. He said he had unsuccessfully appealed to U.S. officials privately for weeks, leading to his public video address.
While expressing appreciation for President Biden's support, Netanyahu emphasized a decline in munitions received from the U.S. He described repeated requests at high levels for accelerated shipments that were met with explanations but no substantial change.
Progressive Democrats, such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, have indicated they will not attend Netanyahu's speech, while other Democratic lawmakers have been hesitant to commit.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) told Fox News Digital, "I haven't made up my mind yet." Similarly, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) stated, "I haven't decided."
The White House declined to comment on the matter.
Fox News' Julia Johnson and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
