Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has denounced the invitation extended to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress next month, calling the decision "wrong."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has strongly opposed the invitation given to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to Congress in July, asserting that it is "wrong" and expressing concerns about its potential impact on efforts to promote peace in the region.
In an interview with CNN, Pelosi stated that she believes it is inappropriate for Netanyahu to address Congress, citing previous instances where his speeches have sparked controversy and criticized US policy. She recalled his 2015 speech to Congress, during which he spoke out against the Iran nuclear agreement, which she described as "completely inappropriate."
Pelosi's condemnation reflects the growing discontent among some lawmakers, particularly Democrats, over Netanyahu's policies towards the Palestinians and his handling of the recent conflict with Hamas. Many Democrats have accused Netanyahu of exacerbating tensions and hindering efforts towards a two-state solution.
Pelosi's comments come shortly after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released a statement indicating that he has "clear and profound disagreements" with Netanyahu but supports his invitation to speak, emphasizing that the US-Israeli relationship transcends any individual leader.
Pelosi, while respecting Schumer's perspective, maintained her opposition to the invitation, expressing concerns that Netanyahu's speech would further divide and polarize both the US and Israel. She emphasized the need to focus on promoting peace and reconciliation rather than engaging in actions that could inflame tensions.
"I think it's going to invite more of what we have seen in terms of discontent among our own people about what's happening there. Let's try to have a two-state solution to make peace in the region rather than coming to the Capitol to draw protesters," Pelosi said.
Pelosi's remarks have been met with mixed reactions. Some lawmakers have expressed support for her position, while others have defended the decision to invite Netanyahu, arguing that it is important to maintain a dialogue with Israel, even if there are disagreements over policy.
The invitation to Netanyahu has drawn criticism from several Democratic lawmakers, including members of the "Squad," who have accused him of being a "war criminal" and called for his prosecution at the International Criminal Court.
Despite the controversy surrounding the invitation, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu will ultimately choose to address Congress. He faces potential criminal charges and a tight re-election race in Israel, which may influence his decision.
The decision to invite Netanyahu to speak has reignited debates over the US-Israeli relationship, with some lawmakers calling for a reevaluation of American support for Israel in light of Netanyahu's policies. These debates are likely to continue as the date for Netanyahu's potential speech approaches.
