Netanyahu is assured a warm welcome from Republican lawmakers who arranged his speech in the House chamber, an appearance making him the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.
Many Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders plan to boycott Netanyahu's appearance. But the most notables absence will be behind him: Vice-President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate and traditionally would sit behind whatever dignitary is speaking, says a long-scheduled trip will keep her away Wednesday. And the next Democrat in line, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, is declining to attend.
Anti-Israel protesters are also expected to be on hand at the U.S. Capitol.
In anticipation, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned of a “zero-tolerance policy” for any signs of disturbances in the Capitol building. “It is our tradition to acknowledge every guest speaker’s right to free expression even if we disagree with their viewpoint,” the Louisiana Republican wrote to members Tuesday.
Johnson arranged the address, an honor that marks both the two countries’ historically warm bonds and the political weight that support for Israel has long carried in U.S. politics. But the attention for the visit has been diminished some by American political turmoil of recent weeks, including the assassination attempt against Trump and President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek another term.
Netanyahu hopes to project the image of a tough, respected statesman for an increasingly critical domestic audience back home in Israel.
Netanyahu also is to meet with Biden and Harris on Thursday, and Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.
