Indian American Lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera to Boycott Netanyahu's Address to Congress

July 24 :
Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera, two Indian American politicians, have declared their intention to abstain from attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress. The arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States capital on July 22nd has been met with strong criticism in light of Israel's continuing military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu was invited to address the Congress by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who vehemently opposed the invitation. She made it clear that she could not sit idly by and listen to him talk when Israelis and Americans, among others, were held captive and Palestinians went hungry.

Jayapal blasted Netanyahu for using American taxpayer funds for military operations in Gaza, saying that this has led to a humanitarian catastrophe and heavy Palestinian casualties. She went on to say that the U.S. official stance is at odds with Netanyahu's opposition to a two-state solution.

In her opinion, Prime Minister Netanyahu is not keen on negotiating a truce that would result in the safe return of the hostages and the establishment of lasting peace and security between Israel and the Palestinians, she continued. A panel discussion involving figures committed to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be held, and Jayapal has expressed her intention to participate, on the way to peace.

Like his colleague, Rep. Ami Bera has decided not to attend Netanyahu's speech because he is worried about the future of Israel and the fate of American captives held by Hamas. Bera emphasized the critical need of ending hostilities, freeing the captives, and working toward a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and stability.

For the sake of Palestinian civilians' suffering and the liberation of hostages, he pleaded with Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire accord that President Biden had negotiated. Both legislators criticized Netanyahu's strategy, which they said would prevent the area from attaining long-term stability, and they stressed the importance of strong leadership and a dedication to peace.

Joe Biden will meet with foreign leaders for the first time since announcing his intention not to seek re-election in November on July 25, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to attend. At 2 p.m. (18:00 GMT) on July 24, he will make history by addressing the U.S. Congress for the fourth time. No foreign leader has ever done this before. In addition to Netanyahu, former president Trump will entertain him at his Palm Beach, Florida estate on July 26.