Schakowsky Statement on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Joint Address to Congress

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), released the following statement ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress:

“I will not attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, just as I did not attend his last address to Congress in 2015. I have long believed, and it is clearer than ever now, that Benjamin Netanyahu is neither pro-democracy nor pro-peace. His sole priority is himself. He could not care less about doing what is right for the long-term security of Israel, including ending the war in Gaza, securing the release of the remaining hostages, and taking meaningful steps towards a two-state solution. Instead, he has repeatedly betrayed the hostages, their families, and all Israeli citizens while further entrenching the occupation, exacerbating and enabling the violence that has plagued Israelis and Palestinians for far too long, and failing to be a reliable partner to the United States. Over two-thirds of the Israeli public think he should resign, and a majority of Americans oppose his policies as well. 

“As a proud Jewish woman, I have a deep personal connection to the State of Israel, and I remain committed to ensuring its survival as a Jewish and democratic state. For Israel to thrive as a just and secure democracy, Netanyahu and his coalition of extremist cronies must go. Rather than inviting him to the United States Capitol, we should focus on achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East, one which values the lives, dignity, and right to self-determination of Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

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