Mass Protests Against Netanyahu's Visit Highlight US Military Aid Concerns

Protesters opposing the Gaza war staged a sit-in at a congressional office building on Tuesday, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress. Capitol Police made multiple arrests during the demonstration. Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday for a multi-day visit, which includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a speech before Congress on Wednesday.

On Monday evening, dozens of protesters gathered outside Netanyahu's hotel. By Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators had taken over the rotunda of the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members. The protest was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants wearing red T-shirts reading "Not In Our Name" and chanting "Let Gaza Live!"

Protesters Demand Action from Biden Administration

Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who drove down for the protest with her two daughters, said, "I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors and I know what a Holocaust looks like. When we say Never Again, we mean never for anybody." Both of her daughters were arrested during the protest. The demonstrators directed much of their anger towards the Biden administration, demanding an immediate halt to all arms shipments to Israel.

"We're not focusing on Netanyahu. He's just a symptom," Hirschmann stated. "But how can Biden be calling for a cease-fire when he's sending them bombs and planes?" It was not immediately clear how many protesters had been arrested. Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., said in a statement that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after the demonstrators "became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office."

Increased Security Measures Around Capitol

Netanyahu's visit has sparked a wave of protest activity. Some demonstrations condemn Israel, while others support it but urge Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Families of some remaining hostages planned a protest vigil on Tuesday night at the National Mall. Multiple overlapping protests are scheduled for Wednesday when Netanyahu is set to address Congress.

In anticipation of these events, police have significantly increased security around the Capitol building and closed several roads for the entire week. Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet on Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke anonymously ahead of the White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day.

Upcoming Meetings with U.S. Leaders

Harris, as Senate president, would typically sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress. However, she will be away on Wednesday due to a previously scheduled trip to Indianapolis. This trip was arranged before Biden withdrew his reelection bid and she became the likely Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.

The protests against Netanyahu's visit highlight deep divisions over U.S. policy towards Israel and Gaza. As tensions continue to rise, both sides are calling for different actions from American leaders.