House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has issued a stern warning to any members of Congress considering disrupting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address at the U.S. Capitol. Johnson made it clear that any unruly behavior during Netanyahu’s speech on Wednesday could lead to arrests, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy.
Johnson’s Firm Stance
At a Republican Jewish Coalition event during the Republican National Convention on Thursday, Johnson assured attendees of his commitment to maintaining order. Speaking to the pro-Israel crowd, he expressed confidence that Democratic lawmakers in attendance would either show respect or face consequences.
“I want you to know that there’s a number of Democrats in the House who have said they’re going to boycott the event … and then some others are going to protest,” Johnson told attendees at the Milwaukee gathering. He didn’t mince words about his intentions: “Listen, we’re going to have extra sergeants-at-arms on the floor, and if anybody gets out of hand, the speaker of the House will bang the gavel; we’re going to arrest people if we have to do it,” Johnson declared. “We’re going to get the message out.”
Growing Tensions
The tension surrounding Netanyahu’s visit has been building. Earlier this week, 230 congressional staffers from mostly Democratic offices urged lawmakers to boycott or protest the speech, framing it as an “issue of morality.” The move reflects the deepening divisions within Congress on foreign policy and diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Washington Times has more:
Mr. Netanyahu last addressed Congress a decade ago. Nearly 60 Democrats skipped his speech at the time because they felt his presence in Washington ran afoul of then-President Barack Obama’s negotiations with Iran to forge a nuclear deal.
The Democrats expect a much greater number of absences this time.
Those who vowed to boycott Mr. Netanyahu’s address cited issues with his handling of the war in Gaza following the Hamas raid into Israel on Oct. 7 that left nearly 1,200 Israelis dead.
…
Since then, Mr. Netanyahu and his government have been criticized for the civilian death toll amid his pursuit to obliterate Hamas. As of early July, nearly 38,000 Palestinians have been killed, and 87,000 have been injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Among the lawmakers boycotting the address are Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Sanders went as far as to call Netanyahu a “war criminal” during a Friday appearance on MSNBC.
READ NEXT: More Questions And Some Answers About The Attempt On Trump’s Life
No you won’t. Just like always….Big talk, but no action. Typical GOP
Here’s a great chance to replace the unjustly imprisoned Jan6 innocent. With the criminally politicians commie-crats.
Two 👍🏾👍🏾 for SPEAKER JOHNSON!
These are the same liberal Democrats who called Trump. “HITLER, EVIL, DICTATOR AND A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY” …they now wish “HITLER A SPEEDY RECOVERY” after the assassination attempt?…the depth of the hypocrisy is beyond the pale…Black voters who have trusted the last 5 presidents who promised you the world on a golden platter ALWAYS FAILED—do you trust their 2024 promises as being different? Will your lives be improved by the Democratic party who voted against the 13th Amendment with a 33% no votes; or the 14th Amendment that gave slave their freedom a Democratic vote of ZERO, or the 15th Amendment that give blacks the right vote… again ZERO! HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU ALLOW DEMOCRATS TO BETRAY YOU? I remind blacks that the first black Politicians elected to the House after the Civil War were 23 BLACK REPUBLICANS!
I note that this publication is using Hamas’ inflated casualty and injury numbers. The true numbers are less than half that. The Israel Defense Force goes out of their way to limit the number of civilian casualties while Hamas uses civilians and hostages as shield. It is Hamas that is violating the Geneva Convention. Further the violence perpetrated by the pro-Hamas forces on college campuses this year have harassed and attacked Jewish students attending classes. This type of behavior is unacceptable and has no place in a modern society. I condemn it in my most vehement and strongest manner.
Agreed. Well said!
He will not arrest anyone! The right dose not have the stones. There are never any real consequences! That is why the left continues to grow more radical…
Bag a rag.
About Israel! Perhaps America should explain why so many of our people died during Covid????
If you don’t walk in somonne’s shoes you do not know their pain.
Jeanette Auteri
Good for Mike Johnson! I hope he does this! Israel is our ally and I resent the people in Congress who demonstrate against Israel. Any congress person who displays a flag from a foreign country on Government property should be removed from their position. If they are not loyal to America first, then they need to go!!!!!
Burnie is full of crap. Plain and simple. Iseral has been under attack almost Dailey for the past 40 years. Time to put a stop to it. We would not put up with it here in the US.
Why should Iseral? The only way to stop it is to wipe HAMAS out period. NO one wants civilian deaths, but, are the people of Gaza that innocent, they put HAMAS InCharge knowing the HAMAS stance on Iseral. They teach hate of Iseral and jews from birth. What did they expect. HAMAS has squandered money and aid for there own pruposes, doing nothing to help the people of Gaza. Screw HUMAS