Netanya-Who? Washington gives Israeli leader the cold shoulder

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, D.C., which has received relatively little attention on Capitol Hill compared to the busy news cycle. The article highlights the following key points:

🙋 Q&A

[01] Netanyahu's Visit to Washington

1. What is the general sentiment towards Netanyahu's visit on Capitol Hill?

• The visit is "barely registering" on Capitol Hill, with some aides needing to be reminded that Netanyahu was even in town.
• The busy news cycle, including the U.S. presidential race, has overshadowed Netanyahu's visit and prevented him from getting the expected traction and airtime.

2. How are lawmakers responding to Netanyahu's address to Congress?

• Democratic lawmakers are weighing whether to attend the address, while Republicans are planning to show support for the embattled leader.
• Some Democrats, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, plan to boycott the address, citing concerns over Netanyahu's policies and partners.

3. What is the focus of Netanyahu's visit in terms of the release of American hostages held by Hamas?

• Families of the American hostages being held in Gaza are putting immense pressure on Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire deal with Hamas and bring the hostages home by the end of the week.
• Netanyahu met with the families of the hostages and is facing political pressure at home to prioritize the release of the captives.

[02] Reactions and Implications

1. How are the security measures around Netanyahu's visit being described?

• Outside the Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu is staying, there are extensive security measures, including fences, drones, security checkpoints, and closed roads.

2. What are the potential implications of the divided response to Netanyahu's visit?

• The boycott of Netanyahu's address by some Democratic lawmakers is seen as an attempt to avoid being a "political prop" and to focus on the issue of the American hostages held by Hamas.
• The House Foreign Affairs Committee has condemned the plans by Vice President Kamala Harris and some congressional Democrats to skip the speech, arguing that the security situation Netanyahu will speak about impacts the U.S.

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