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By Natalie Venegas
Weekend Reporter
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Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrival in Washington, D.C., more Democrats are deciding to skip his expected speech Wednesday, as former President Donald Trump gears up to welcome the Israeli leader.
During his trip, Netanyahu is anticipated to deliver an address to Congress on Wednesday and meet with President Joe Biden Thursday, according to a report from the Associated Press (AP), which added that the Israeli leader will hold separate talks with Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday.
Trump announced on Truth Social that Netanyahu will also make a stop at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.
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"Looking forward to welcoming Bibi Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida … During my first term, we had Peace and Stability in the Region, even signing the historic Abraham Accords—And we will have it again," Trump wrote on his Truth Social.
Netanyahu's visit arrives more than nine months into Israel's war against Hamas, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 people hostage, per the Israeli government. About 120 remain held and around a third are believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel subsequently launched its heaviest-ever airstrikes in Gaza. More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, per AP. The rising death toll has led to international calls for a ceasefire, and heavy division over the conflict remains in the U.S.
Since it was announced Netanyahu would give an address, several Democratic lawmakers have said they will not attend, citing the war.
In a statement released on Tuesday, representative Mark Takano of California became the latest Democratic lawmaker to announce he's skipping the speech.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House via email for comment Tuesday.
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"For weeks I have wrestled with whether or not to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu's joint address before Congress. In recent months, I've grown increasingly troubled by Mr. Netanyahu's actions, which have sought to further his own political survival rather than securing the return of hostages and a much-needed ceasefire. As someone who cares deeply about Israel, I recognize that any path towards a permanent peace must begin with a bilateral ceasefire. Mr. Netanyahu has consistently demonstrated that he is an obstacle to the peace that both Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve," Takano said in a news release.
This follows Senate Pro Tempore Patty Murray, who was expected to sit behind Netanyahu at the address, declining to attend the speech, along with Representatives Greg Casar, Jim Clyburn, Lloyd Doggett, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Stephen Lynch and Jan Schakowsky.
In June, AP reported that interviews with more than a dozen Democrats revealed the discontent over Netanyahu's address, and how some feel it is a Republican ploy to divide Democrats.
"It is apparent Republican leadership have given this platform to the Prime Minister in order to sow division amongst Members of Congress during this precarious time. Rather than engage in political games, I plan to meet with Israeli citizens during the morning of the address to support families that have suffered in the wake of the October 7th attack," Takano added on Tuesday.
GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson, who helped facilitate Netanyahu's address, is expected to highlight Republican support for the Israeli leader.
During the visit, Biden is expected to focus his talk with Netanyahu on negotiating a hostage release and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which Jake Sullivan, national security adviser, indicated at a security conference in Colorado last week.
According to AP, Biden expressed optimism of a deal as he spoke to campaign staffers on Monday: "I think we're on the verge" of ending the war.
The outlet also reported that before he departed Israel for the U.S., Netanyahu pointed toward his intent to discuss continuing the conflict with Hamas and confront other Iran-backed groups, along with addressing the release of hostages.
Protests are also planned, according to AP, as the demonstrations outside the Capitol are expected to include demonstrators condemning the Israeli military campaign as well as others expressing support for Israel. The largest protest could see at least 5,000 people and is set for Wednesday morning, with organizers planning to march and demand Netanyahu's arrest on war crime charges.
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