An alleged war criminal gave a speech in the US Congress

There are differing views and claims regarding whether Benjamin Netanyahu can be considered a war criminal:

1. Some politicians and human rights organizations have accused Netanyahu of war crimes:

• Congressman Jamaal Bowman refers to Netanyahu as a “genocidal war criminal” in his opinion piece[1].

• Senator Bernie Sanders called Netanyahu a war criminal and said he should not be welcomed into Congress[2].

• Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib stated that “Netanyahu is a war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people”[5].

1. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is pursuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza:

• ICC prosecutor Karim Khan is seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders, as well as Hamas figures, for alleged war crimes[3].

• The charges against Netanyahu include allegations of “causing extermination, starvation as a method of war, and deliberately targeting civilians in conflict”[3].

1. Netanyahu and Israeli officials deny these accusations:

• Netanyahu criticized the ICC’s decision, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to self-defense within legal boundaries[3].

• In his address to Congress, Netanyahu called the ICC’s accusations “false” and “dangerous,” stating they are trying to prevent Israel from defending itself[4].

It’s important to note that while accusations have been made and the ICC is pursuing an investigation, Netanyahu has not been formally convicted of war crimes by an international court. The situation remains contentious and politically charged, with differing opinions based on various political and ideological standpoints.

Citations:
1. The Guardian – Netanyahu’s Congress Address on Israel-Gaza War
2. Anadolu Ajansı – Opinion: What is Worse Than Letting a War Criminal Address the US Congress?
3. CNN – ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Israel-Hamas War Crimes
4. YouTube – Netanyahu’s Address to Congress
5. Tlaib House – Tlaib Statement on “War Criminal” Netanyahu’s Address to Congress

Activists were at work:

Activists reacted strongly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Congress this week, leading to significant protests and demonstrations both inside and outside the Capitol:

1. Protests Outside the Capitol:

– Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate against Netanyahu’s address. Protesters displayed “WANTED” posters with Netanyahu’s image and projected similar images on the Watergate Hotel, where he was staying. Some demonstrators released maggots on Netanyahu’s table at the hotel[1].
– Groups attempted to barricade Netanyahu’s routes to the Capitol, with one group bringing out an effigy of the prime minister in handcuffs. The motorcade was forced to reroute due to these actions[1].
– Capitol Police arrested approximately 200 protesters who occupied the Cannon House Office building’s rotunda[1].

1. Protests Inside the Capitol:

– Inside the congressional chambers, Representative Rashida Tlaib held up a sign reading “WAR CRIMINAL” during Netanyahu’s speech[1][3].
– Jewish Voice for Peace organized a sit-in at the Capitol, with activists calling for an arms embargo and an end to U.S. military funding to Israel. They emphasized that the U.S. government should not support what they described as genocide in Gaza[2].

1. Political Boycotts:

– Several lawmakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, chose not to attend Netanyahu’s speech. Pelosi met with Israeli citizens affected by the conflict instead[1][2][5].
– Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Thomas Massie, criticized the event as political theater and chose not to attend[1].

1. Statements from Activists:

– Loan Tran, national director of Rising Majority, stated that Netanyahu should be in handcuffs rather than addressing Congress and criticized the U.S. government for enabling what they characterized as genocide[1].
– Beth Miller from Jewish Voice for Peace condemned the invitation of Netanyahu to Congress, calling it an affront to human rights and democracy, and demanded an arms embargo on Israel[2].

Overall, the protests highlighted significant opposition to Netanyahu’s policies and actions in Gaza, reflecting deep divisions within both the U.S. political landscape and the broader activist community.

Citations:
1. Rolling Stone – Netanyahu’s Address to Congress Sparks Protests
2. Democracy Now – Netanyahu’s Congress Speech Protests in Washington, DC
3. Al Jazeera – Key Takeaways from Netanyahu’s Speech and Protests Outside US Congress
4. Countercurrents – Netanyahu’s Visit to Congress Draws Protests Calling for His Arrest
5. CNN – Netanyahu’s Speech to Congress: Live Updates

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