Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters are set to converge on Washington, D.C., for a “day of rage” on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks before Congress. The protests are organized in response to Netanyahu’s visit and his stance on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights and a key organizer, stated that the protests aim to “make the statement that war criminals like Netanyahu are not welcome” in the United States. Netanyahu, on his first trip outside Israel since the conflict began, plans to “present the truth about our just war.”
Invited by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Netanyahu’s address to Congress marks his first in nine years. Johnson has warned against protests inside the House chamber, stating there will be arrests “if we have to do it.” Meanwhile, organizers anticipate significant street demonstrations.
Reem Assil from the Arab Resource and Organizing Center is traveling from California to protest, driven by the loss of family members in Gaza. “The idea of the man responsible for these atrocities being allowed to come here, channels my rage,” she said. “I’ve lost over 40 members of my family.”
The conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 kidnappings. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 39,000 Palestinian deaths from Israeli responses, which Israel denies constitute war crimes.
Netanyahu’s U.S. visit includes meetings with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Palestinian-American Jinan Deena from Washington described Netanyahu’s presence as “a slap in the face,” while an unnamed organizer from Michigan noted increased willingness among protesters to face arrest compared to past demonstrations.
In October, over 300 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at the U.S. Capitol. Earlier this year, an estimated 400,000 gathered in Washington to protest the war.
Ayah, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement, emphasized the heightened anger in this round of protests, saying, “It is our enemy, our primary enemy, they are inviting into the White House.”
Netanyahu Faces Domestic and International Pressure
Netanyahu faces significant pressure both internationally and domestically for his handling of the war. The International Court of Justice recently ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, a decision Israel rejects. The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and senior Hamas leaders on allegations of war crimes.
Polling by Israel’s Channel 12 indicates 72% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should resign over security lapses on October 7 and the failure to free hostages held by Hamas.
Maya Roman, whose cousin was held captive by Hamas, criticized Netanyahu for leaving Israel without a signed ceasefire deal. “By leaving without a signed deal, he makes the hostages and the families feel abandoned,” she said.
Pro-Israel protesters will also be present in Washington. Ira Stoll, a Jewish-American with family in Israel, expressed support for Netanyahu’s visit, emphasizing the importance of America’s solidarity with Israel.
“America needs to show it stands with its friends, and Netanyahu is the elected leader of one of our friends,” Stoll said.
