Dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress today, including Austin’s congressmen Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett.
In a statement, Casar called the address a “PR stunt intended to cover up his own failures.”
“The United States must end unconditional military aid to the Israeli government, and instead secure an immediate ceasefire, a return of the hostages, and long-term peace,” Casar added.
Doggett told the Chronicle he would not attend. “Instead of coming to meet Trump and speak here, Netanyahu should be in Israel seeking peace and release of all hostages,” Doggett said. “Gave my guest pass to a family member of an Israeli hostage that Netanyahu has abandoned as he has obstructed our call for a cease-fire.”
Netanyahu will meet separately with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday and with Donald Trump on Friday, Politico reported.
Harris was also absent from the address.
“VPOTUS Harris’s snub of Netanyahu is petty and disrespectful,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, on X.
This article appears in July 19 • 2024.