Washington, D.C. – Thousands of individuals are preparing to gather in protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to Congress. The demonstrations are set to cover various demands, including calls for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict, the release of hostages taken during a previous attack by Hamas, and an end to U.S. aid to Israel. The protests are organized by different groups, each with unique objectives and grievances.
One of the organizers, Brian Becker, the executive director of the ANSWER Coalition, expressed outrage over Netanyahu’s invitation to speak to Congress and called for his arrest, referencing the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s intentions to charge him and Hamas leader Yehiya Sinwar with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The planned protests are expected to draw a crowd of about 5,000 people, according to permit applications submitted to the National Park Service.
Families of hostages taken in a previous attack are also set to assemble on the National Mall, sharing stories of their loved ones and advocating for their release. The stress and uncertainty surrounding Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. have added to the emotional burden on these families, who had hoped for positive developments.
The protests come amid a standstill in negotiations for a cease-fire deal, underscoring the urgency and significance of the demonstrations. Security measures are being ramped up in anticipation of the large turnout, with U.S. Capitol Police working closely with federal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety of all involved.
Demonstrations are scheduled to take place at various locations and times, including a morning prayer event organized by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, calls for Netanyahu’s arrest, a rally expressing support for Israel while criticizing Netanyahu, and a Peace & Justice Bloc gathering to demand a cease-fire. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, with D.C. police collaborating with federal law enforcement partners to oversee the demonstrations.
As the protests unfold, updates on street closures and public access to congressional buildings are expected to be provided closer to Netanyahu’s visit. The evolving situation underscores the importance of staying informed and being prepared for any developments that may arise during this period of heightened activism.
