According to Fox News, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's highly anticipated address to Congress this week, an anti-Israel protest group stormed the Capitol, creating significant disruptions.
The protest, which occurred on Tuesday, saw demonstrators with anti-Israel slogans and attire gather in large numbers outside the legislative building.
Protesters, many wearing red shirts emblazoned with messages like "Jews Say Stop Arming Israel" and "Stop Arming Israel," reportedly attempted to breach Capitol offices.
Representative Dan Kildee’s (D-MI) office confirmed that demonstrators aggressively pounded on doors and attempted to force their way inside. The Capitol Police and Sergeant at Arms intervened, resulting in the arrest of approximately 200 individuals.
Netanyahu’s upcoming speech, scheduled for Wednesday, is intended to rally support for Israel's operations against Hamas.
The address comes amid rising tensions and scrutiny over the Israeli government's policies. Several prominent Democratic figures, including Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), have publicly criticized Netanyahu and announced they will not attend the speech.
The protests reflect broader political divides over U.S.-Israeli relations and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Capitol Police’s handling of the situation and the nature of the protest have drawn mixed reactions.
While the Capitol Police described the protest as "peaceful," the aggressive behavior of some demonstrators raised concerns about security and safety during the high-profile event.
The demonstration underscores the polarized views on Israel's role in the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy. As Netanyahu prepares to address Congress, the disruption at the Capitol highlights the deep divisions and passionate responses surrounding U.S.-Israeli relations.
While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries plan to attend, notable Democratic figures will be absent. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has announced he will skip the session, criticizing Netanyahu’s stance on peace plans.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) has also voiced disapproval, calling Netanyahu's government "the most extreme right-wing coalition in Israeli history."
Ahead of Netanyahu’s address, a large group of protesters gathered at the Capitol. Wearing red shirts with slogans such as "Jews Say Stop Arming Israel" and "Stop Arming Israel," the demonstrators created disruptions.
According to Representative Dan Kildee’s (D-MI) office, protesters aggressively pounded on office doors, prompting U.S. Capitol Police to respond and make several arrests.
Capitol Police reported around 200 arrests, although their statement referred to the protest as "peaceful" and did not detail the reported disruptions.
The protests reflect ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Netanyahu’s address approaches, the discourse around U.S.-Israeli relations and the response to terrorism continues to shape political debate.
