Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, part of the progressive “Squad,” has unleashed criticism on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming speech to Congress on July 24. The New York Democrat did not hold back, labeling Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and accusing him of disregarding U.S. law.
Wow Alexandria, you’ve certainly become an expert on the region since this interview—Where you clearly had no idea what you were talking about and likely couldn’t locate either on a map. pic.twitter.com/IgNffW2ue0 [1]
— Let’s Theorize (@LetsTheorize) June 19, 2024 [2]
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate leaders, on both sides of the aisle, sent the invitation to Netanyahu as a display of support for Israel amidst ongoing tensions with Hamas. However, Ocasio-Cortez vehemently opposes the visit, stating on X, “This man should not be addressing Congress. His invitation should be revoked. It should have never been sent in the first place.”
I am honored to invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress. pic.twitter.com/rYKx0Z1p93 [3]
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) May 31, 2024 [4]
The move to invite Netanyahu has sparked divisiveness within Congress, as progressive Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez slam the decision, citing concerns over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The left-leaning faction is demanding a ceasefire and condemning Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict.
Ocasio-Cortez and her progressive colleagues are not alone in their discontent with Netanyahu’s visit. The tension between Joe Biden and the Israeli leader has also come to the forefront, with Biden publicly criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict and urging for more humanitarian aid to Gaza.