WASHINGTON: Four American lawmakers have announced to boycott Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s scheduled speech before the US Congress, citing their protest against the Israeli occupation’s violations of Palestinian rights.
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cory Bush, Jamaal Bowman, and Ilhan Omar have chosen not to attend Herzog’s speech during the upcoming joint session of Congress (House and Senate) on Wednesday.
Representative Bush expressed her rationale, stating, “The Israeli government is responsible for imposing apartheid and gross violations of Palestinian rights.” She further emphasized that Congress should not provide a platform to a head of state who shows no respect for human rights. As a result, she will refrain from attending the speech in the joint session.
Representative Omar, who was previously banned by the Israeli government from entering occupied Palestine, explained her own decision, stating, “There is no way I will attend the joint session speech by a president of a state that has banned me and denied Representative Rashida Tlaib the opportunity to see her grandmother.” Omar criticized the current right-wing Israeli government, stating that it hampers the hopes of Palestinians for statehood and undermines the prospects of peace and a two-state solution.
Israel’s Escalating Violations of Palestinians’ Rights
Omar highlighted the timing of Herzog’s visit, noting the attacks by ministers in the right-wing Israeli government on US President Joe Biden and the ongoing widespread protests in Israel against government attempts to control the judiciary. She also pointed out the recent Israeli incursion into the city of Jenin and its camp, which resulted in the destruction of homes and the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians, making it the bloodiest year for Palestinians in the West Bank.
The congresswoman underscored the condemnation of Israel’s escalating violations of international law and human rights by human rights organizations, legal experts, and the majority of the international community. Additionally, Omar highlighted the substantial military aid provided by the United States to Israel annually, amounting to nearly $4 billion, and expressed the view that diplomatic tools should be employed to engage with the Israeli government rather than granting them the honor of a televised speech in a joint session, which she deemed inappropriate given the current circumstances.
The lawmakers’ boycott of Herzog’s speech underscores the deep concerns among American legislators regarding the Israeli government’s policies and actions towards Palestinians. The move also reflects the ongoing debate and divisions within US Congress regarding the US-Israel relationship and the question of Palestinian rights.
