Thousands of demonstrators, including Jewish Americans, gathered in Washington on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress.
Protesters flooded Capitol Hill, chanting “Free, Free Palestine,” and attempting to block streets ahead of Netanyahu’s speech.
Police in gas masks prevented the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from approaching the Capitol.
Steel barriers surrounded entrances to the complex, and security officers were deployed on foot, bicycles, and with dogs.
Overnight, hundreds of protesters organized by a Jewish group staged a sit-in at a congressional office building, chanting, “Not in our name.”
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the prime minister as he arrived in the afternoon for a speech arranged weeks ago.
“I think people are rageful that the United States government has the gall, after months and months of genocide, not to hold Benjamin Netanyahu accountable, but to continue to roll out the red carpet for him,” said demonstrator Zaid Khatib.
Carrying posters reading “Wanted. War Criminal Benjamin Netanyahu,” protesters demanded the prime minister’s arrest, as called for by the international criminal court’s chief prosecutor in May.
One protester, Michael Prentice from Maryland, emphasized the importance of showing that not all US citizens support the government’s policies toward Israel.
“They don’t support the policies of our elected officials. We are in a rogue kind of administration that is disconnected from the people,” said Prentice.
“I think it’s important to show the world that the American people do not support our government’s policies,” he added.
Inside Congress, dozens of high-profile Democratic lawmakers boycotted Netanyahu’s speech, expressing their dismay over the civilian deaths and humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Notably absent was Vice President Kamala Harris, who traditionally would sit behind the speaker. She cited a long-scheduled trip as the reason for her absence.