WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Tensions are flaring across Capitol Hill over the Israel-Hamas war.
A growing list of Democrats plan to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress Wednesday over concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“I haven’t decided,” said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, (D-Va.).
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, (D-Calif.), said skipping Netanyahu’s address would be disrespectful to America’s biggest ally in the Middle East.
“I think it’s a mistake,” Sherman said. “I mean, we haven’t had a world leader come here I didn’t have some disagreements with.”
However, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said he has better things to do.
“Something productive that’s not a political stunt,” he said.
Some Democrats accuse Republicans of playing politics in inviting Netanyahu, but the GOP is trying to flip the script.
“It is outrageous to me and inexcusable,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, (R-La.).
Johnson criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision to not preside over the speech. Harris said it’s a scheduling conflict. The next Democrat in line, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, (D-Wash.), declined, leaving it to the retiring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, (D-Md.).
“The idea that they are making political calculations when our ally is in such dire straits,” Johnson said.
Harris still plans to meet with Netanyahu as he aims to bolster U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas.
Former President Donald Trump said he will host the prime minister at Mar-a-Lago Friday.
Families of hostages still held by Hamas were on Capitol Hill Tuesday to urge lawmakers to work with Netanyahu to make sure their loved ones come home.
“We have no time,” said Ruby Chen, the father of deceased Hamas hostage, Itay Chen. “Just make it happen.”
The U.S. State Department said a ceasefire and hostage deal is getting closer but still not done.
Families of the hostages will also meet with President Joe Biden and Netanyahu at the White House Thursday.