Controversial Netanyahu Speech at Congress: Thousands Protest, Security Concerns Rise

Washington D.C., District of Columbia United States of America
Capitol security officials and law enforcement are taking precautions for Netanyahu's speech.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is speaking at a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, 2024-07-23.
Netanyahu's trip to Washington D.C. has been marked by protests and security concerns.
Protests have disrupted the Capitol building and led to arrests.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather at the Capitol on Wednesday, leading to safety concerns.
Controversial Netanyahu Speech at Congress: Thousands Protest, Security Concerns Rise

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to speak at a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, following a contentious visit to Washington D.C. that has been marked by protests and security concerns.

Netanyahu's trip to the U.S. capital has been met with opposition from Democratic lawmakers and pro-Palestinian activists, some of whom have announced plans to boycott his speech.

The Israeli leader's relationship with President Biden is also reportedly uneasy, as the U.S. administration faces pressure over its support for Israel's war in Gaza.

On Tuesday, a large group of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in the Cannon Rotunda, prompting Rep. Dan Kildee's office to call the police after they became disruptive and attempted to force entry.

Capitol Police made scores of arrests for demonstrating in a restricted area.

The U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights has said 'tens of thousands' of people will gather at the Capitol on Wednesday, leading to concerns about safety and security.

In response, Capitol security officials and law enforcement are taking precautions, including erecting a fence, restricting entrances to the complex, and encouraging staffers to move through the building's tunnel system.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has also announced that additional police officers will be posted outside the Capitol and inside the House chamber.

Despite these measures, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about their personal safety. Rep. Max Miller, for example, has said he is not wearing his member pin because he doesn't want to be a target.

Netanyahu's speech is expected to focus on Israel's 'just war' in Gaza, but it remains to be seen how it will be received by Congress and the American public.

It is worth noting that Netanyahu has a history of confounding U.S. presidents, including President Biden and former President Trump.

Trump enjoyed a close relationship with Netanyahu during his time in office, but the Israeli leader angered him when he acknowledged Biden's electoral win over Trump.

Netanyahu's speech to Congress is certain to be a major event, but it is also likely to be met with controversy and opposition from those who disagree with his policies and actions.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • It's unclear if there will be any major disruptions during Netanyahu's speech.
  • The exact number of protesters is uncertain.

Sources

73%

  • Unique Points
    • Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a 'day of rage' over the war in Gaza
    • Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is speaking in Congress on Wednesday
  • Accuracy
    • Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a ‘day of rage’ over the war in Gaza
    • Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is speaking in Congress on Wednesday
    • More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli response according to Hamas-run health ministry
  • Deception (30%)
    The author uses the term 'day of rage' to describe the protests, which is an emotional and sensational way to describe a political demonstration. He also quotes protesters making statements that are biased against Benjamin Netanyahu without providing any context or evidence for their claims.
    • It is our enemy, our primary enemy, they are inviting into the White House.
    • Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a ‘day of rage’ over the war in Gaza
    • The idea of the man responsible for these atrocities being allowed to come here, channels my rage.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by quoting protesters using the term 'day of rage' and 'mass slaughter'. The term 'war criminals' is also used without evidence against Netanyahu. No formal or informal fallacies were found beyond these examples.
    • Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a ‘day of rage’ over the war in Gaza
    • The idea of the man responsible for these atrocities being allowed to come here, channels my rage.
    • To know [Mr Netanyahu] is going to be sharing air with us in our own city... it’s like a slap in the face.
  • Bias (80%)
    The author uses the term 'day of rage' multiple times to describe the protests against Netanyahu, which could be seen as depicting one side as extreme or uncivil. Additionally, there are quotes from protesters expressing their anger and desire to make a statement about war criminals, further emphasizing the emotional nature of the protests.
    • Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights and a chief organiser, said protesters would ‘make the statement that war criminals like Netanyahu are not welcome’ in the United States.
      • Another organiser from Michigan, who did not give their name, said ‘more people are willing to get arrested this time’ compared to previous protests.
        • Reem Assil, a member of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, said she was travelling from California to protest against the deaths of family members and other civilians in the ‘mass slaughter’ in Gaza.
          • Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a ‘day of rage’ over the war in Gaza as Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in Congress on Wednesday, organisers have warned.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          76%

          • Unique Points
            • Benjamin Netanyahu had strong ties to the Trump administration, which scuttled the Iran nuclear deal and moved the US embassy to Jerusalem.
            • Netanyahu angered Trump when he acknowledged Biden’s electoral win over Trump.
          • Accuracy
            • Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed a joint session of Congress four times since 1996, more than any other foreign leader.
            • Netanyahu had strong ties to the Trump administration, which scuttled the Iran nuclear deal and moved the US embassy to Jerusalem.
            • Disagreement over the human toll of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza has split Democrats this year.
          • Deception (30%)
            The article contains selective reporting as it only mentions Netanyahu's past conflicts with US presidents and his attempts to interfere in US politics, while omitting any mention of his accomplishments or positive relationships with some presidents. It also includes emotional manipulation through the use of phrases like 'undying enmity' and 'exploded'. The article also implies that Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza to stay in power without providing any evidence.
            • Netanyahu earned the undying enmity of former President Barack Obama for trying to tank the Iran nuclear deal.
            • Even Biden has suggested there’s reason to believe Netanyahu is prolonging the war to stay in power.
            • Disagreement over the human toll of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza has split Democrats this year. But for all his criticism of Netanyahu, Biden has continued to provide Israel with weapons and aid, and the two men will meet at the White House.
          • Fallacies (80%)
            The author makes an appeal to history by stating that Netanyahu has addressed Congress more times than any other foreign leader. This is not a fallacy as such, but it can be seen as an attempt to establish credibility or authority through the use of statistics. However, it does not directly impact the validity of any arguments made in the article and therefore does not affect the score significantly.
            • Netanyahu has been weaving in and out of US politics for decades.
            • When the Israeli prime minister addresses a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, it will be his fourth such appearance since 1996, more than any other foreign leader in history and the same number of addresses to Congress a US president gives during one term.
          • Bias (90%)
            The author demonstrates a clear anti-Netanyahu bias throughout the article. He repeatedly mentions Netanyahu's past actions that have caused conflict with US presidents and portrays him as someone who interferes in US politics and causes division. The author also quotes critics of Netanyahu, including former President Biden, who express doubt or disdain for the Israeli leader.
            • Despite his long relationship with Netanyahu, Biden has criticized the Israeli leader's government for being too right-wing.
              • Netanyahu earned the undying enmity of former President Barack Obama for trying to tank the Iran nuclear deal.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              86%

              • Unique Points
                • Rep. Dan Kildee's office called the police after hundreds of protesters became disruptive and attempted to force entry.
                • Capitol Police made scores of arrests for demonstrating in a restricted area.
              • Accuracy
                • Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a ‘day of rage’ over the war in Gaza
                • The U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights expects ‘tens of thousands’ of people to gather at the Capitol for Netanyahu’s speech.
                • Israel denies accusations of war crimes
                • An estimated 400,000 gathered in Washington to protest against the war in January
                • Israel rejects a ruling by the International Court of Justice that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories was ‘illegal’
              • Deception (70%)
                The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position about the disruptive nature of the protest and the security concerns. The author does not provide any context or counter-arguments from those involved in the protest or their organizations. The article also uses emotional manipulation by describing protesters as 'hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in the Cannon House Office Building' and 'raucous pro-Palestinian protest' to elicit a negative reaction from readers.
                • Rep. Dan Kildee’s (D-Mich.) office ‘had to call U.S. Capitol Police for assistance after hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive.’
                • Spokespeople for Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, the groups that organized the protest, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
                • A large, raucous pro-Palestinian protest Tuesday at a U.S. House office building is spiking lawmakers’ concerns about security around Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming speech.
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the protesters as 'raucous' and 'hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in the Cannon House Office Building, prompted Capitol Police to make scores of arrests for demonstrating in a restricted area.' This implies that the protests were violent and disruptive, but no evidence is provided to support this claim. The author also quotes Rep. Brad Schneider stating 'It crosses the line ... when it makes it impossible for people within the Capitol – not just people who work here but others who are visiting their representatives – to even get around.' This is an appeal to emotion and a false dilemma fallacy, as there are other ways for individuals to access their representatives besides going through the Capitol building. The author also quotes Rep. Max Miller stating 'I’m concerned about my safety,' but this is not a logical fallacy as it is simply an expression of concern.
                • ]The protests spilled over from a common area to several individual lawmakers’ offices, with one office calling the police on demonstrators.[
                • Rep. Dan Kildee’s office ‘had to call U.S. Capitol Police for assistance after hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive.’[
                • It crosses the line … when it makes it impossible for people within the Capitol – not just people who work here but others who are visiting their representatives – to even get around.[
                • I’m concerned about my safety.[
              • Bias (95%)
                The author uses language that depicts the protesters as disruptive and violent, implying a negative bias towards them. He also quotes Rep. Dan Kildee's chief of staff Mitchell Rivard describing the protesters as violently beating on office doors and attempting to force entry into the office.
                • hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive,
                  • protesters were violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.
                    • Rep. Dan Kildee’s office ‘had to call U.S. Capitol Police for assistance’ after ‘hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive,’
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication

                    92%

                    • Unique Points
                      • A source from the office of Rep. Dan Kildee said staff and interns barricaded themselves in their offices, which were close to the demonstration, as protesters violently beat on the doors.
                      • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to speak with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the coming days and address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night.
                    • Accuracy
                      • Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a ‘day of rage’ over the war in Gaza
                      • Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, said protesters would ‘make the statement that war criminals like Netanyahu are not welcome’
                      • Reem Assil, a member of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, is travelling from California to protest against the deaths of family members and other civilians in Gaza
                    • Deception (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Fallacies (95%)
                      The article contains some inflammatory rhetoric and an appeal to authority, but no formal or dichotomous fallacies are present. The author describes the actions of the protesters as 'violently beating on all three of the doors' and 'attempting to force entry into the office.' This language is inflammatory and may be intended to elicit an emotional response from readers. Additionally, the article quotes a statement from Rep. Dan Kildee's chief of staff that describes the protesters as 'hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.' This statement is an appeal to authority as it comes from a representative of a government official. However, these fallacies do not detract significantly from the overall accuracy or fairness of the article.
                      • hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.
                      • A large group of anti-Israeli protesters organized in the Cannon Rotunda during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to D.C.
                    • Bias (95%)
                      The article reports on a protest against Israel and the arrests of some protesters. The authors do not express any bias towards or against the protesters or Israel. However, they do mention that some of the protesters were Jewish and wore kippahs, which could be seen as an attempt to elicit an emotional response from readers. Additionally, there is a statement from a Democratic congressman's chief of staff describing the protesters as 'violently beating on the office doors,' which could be perceived as biased language. However, this statement is directly quoted from the source and does not reflect the authors' bias.
                      • Some of the shirts read ‘Jews Say Stop Arming Israel.’ Other shirts read ‘Stop Arming Israel’ and ‘Not in Our Name.’
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication

                      90%

                      • Unique Points
                        • Several Democratic lawmakers and pro-Palestinian activists will boycott Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Wednesday.
                        • Netanyahu’s relationship with President Biden is uneasy, as the US administration faces pressure over its support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
                        • Speaker Mike Johnson arranged Netanyahu’s visit to the Capitol as a response to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s criticism of Netanyahu.
                        • The topic of Israel and the war in the Middle East has caused division within the House Democratic Caucus, with pro-Israel Democrats at odds with pro-Palestinian progressives.
                      • Accuracy
                        • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is speaking in Congress on Wednesday
                        • Netanyahu had strong ties to the Trump administration, which scuttled the Iran nuclear deal and moved the US embassy to Jerusalem.
                        • Disagreement over the human toll of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza has split Democrats this year.
                      • Deception (70%)
                        The article contains editorializing and selective reporting. The authors use phrases like 'deep divisions', 'split among Democrats', and 'united on a rare area of solidarity' to manipulate the reader's emotions towards Netanyahu's visit to Washington. They also quote Matt Duss, an executive vice president of the Center for International Policy, who expresses his opinion that denying Netanyahu a speech in Congress is important. The authors do not disclose any peer-reviewed studies or facts to support their claims about the divisions among Democrats and Republicans regarding U.S. policy towards Israel.
                        • The deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans on U.S. policy toward Israel will be on full display during Benjamin Netanyahu's three-day trip to Washington.
                        • It's definitely a step in the right direction,
                      • Fallacies (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Bias (95%)
                        The authors use language that depicts Democratic lawmakers and pro-Palestinian activists as boycotting Netanyahu's speech, while the Republican Party is described as 'united on a rare area of solidarity'. This implies a bias towards the Republican Party and against those who are boycotting. The authors also quote Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy, stating that denying Netanyahu 'the kind of trophies that he clearly desires' is important. This language implies a negative view of Netanyahu and could be seen as biased.
                        • Boycotts from Democratic lawmakers and pro-Palestinian activists against Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Wednesday will contrast with a Republican Party united on a rare area of solidarity.
                          • It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” said Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy. “Denying Netanyahu the kind of trophies that he clearly desires, I think is really important here.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication