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Netanyahu Addresses Congress Amid Protests, 200 Arrests, and Pepper Spray

Jul 24, 2024, 01:49 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST, amid significant political and public unrest. The address was met with large-scale protests and heightened security measures in Washington, D.C., including road closures and parking restrictions. Thousands of demonstrators, including Jewish activists, staged sit-ins and marches on Capitol Hill, demanding an end to U.S. military support for Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza. Capitol Police arrested around 200 protesters inside the Cannon House Office Building, employing pepper spray to control the crowds. Up to 10,000 protesters were expected. Netanyahu's speech highlighted the need for U.S.-Israel unity against common threats, receiving multiple standing ovations from lawmakers. The event underscored the deep partisan divide in the U.S. over support for Israel's actions in Gaza.