Scoop: Democrats plan to go bigger than a boycott for Netanyahu speech
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: JACK GUEZ/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.
House Democrats are discussing a wide range of potential events to counter-program Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress next month, six sources familiar with the planning tell Axios.
Why it matters: Democrats are preparing to send a strong signal of dissatisfaction with the Israeli war effort and with Netanyahu's leadership in particular.
What we're hearing: Multiple discussions about counter-programming have taken place, primarily among progressives but including other Democratic lawmakers as well, the sources say.
- The proposals include a press conference, a vigil, or an event with families of those taken hostage by Hamas, many of whom feel Netanyahu hasn't done enough to free their loved ones.
- In a sign of how extensive and high-level some of these discussions are, former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) told Politico he was participating in one counter-programming meeting.
What they're saying: "These conversations are happening. And it's not just progressives," one House Democrat involved in the discussions told Axios.
- "We are hearing from others in the caucus that they would like to be part of counter-programming that is focused on peace, bringing the hostages home, and ending this horrible conflict," the lawmaker said.
- "More moderate Dems are extremely frustrated that this Netanyahu visit undermines the work of the Biden administration and is disrespectful to Israelis who want Netanyahu out."
- Some moderate, pro-Israel Democrats have emerged as surprisingly harsh critics of Israel's operations in Gaza in recent months.
Flashback: Nearly 60 Democrats sat out another controversial Netanyahu address to Congress, in 2015.
- Many progressives have already told Axios they plan to at least boycott next month.
- Some Democrats across the ideological spectrum have said they oppose the speech being held but may still attend.
Yes, but: Lawmakers cautioned that discussions are in the early stages, with one telling Axios there are "many perspectives" but "no agreement" — though the sources said they expect some kind of event to go forward.
- Several progressive House members are planning to attend the speech but disrupt it, one lawmaker said.
- The speech is scheduled to take place on July 24.
