Protests Erupt in Washington as Netanyahu Visits
Prime Minister’s Arrival Sparks Demonstrations

The arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington has ignited a series of protests in the nation’s capital, including a sit-in at a congressional office building that ended with multiple arrests. Demonstrators have expressed both condemnation and support for Israel, urging Netanyahu to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahu’s Agenda in Washington

Netanyahu arrived on Monday for a visit that includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a speech before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. Protesters gathered outside his hotel on Monday evening, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members. Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters wearing red T-shirts that read “Not In Our Name” occupied the building’s rotunda, unfurling signs and chanting “Let Gaza Live!”

Arrests and Demonstrations

After about a half-hour of clapping and chanting, U.S. Capitol Police officers issued several warnings before arresting protesters, binding their hands with zip ties, and leading them away one by one.

Voices from the Protest

“I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors and I know what a Holocaust looks like,” said Jane Hirschmann, a native of Saugerties, New York, who attended the protest with her two daughters, both of whom were arrested. “When we say ‘Never Again,’ we mean never for anybody.” Protesters criticized the Biden administration, demanding the president cease all arms shipments to Israel.

Demonstrators’ Demands

“We’re not focusing on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom,” Hirschmann said. “But how can (Biden) be calling for a cease-fire when he’s sending them bombs and planes?”

Response from Capitol Police

As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, the Capitol Police did not have a final tally of arrests. Jewish Voice for Peace claimed in a statement that 400 people, “including over a dozen rabbis,” had been arrested. Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., stated that his office called for Capitol Police intervention after demonstrators “became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.”

Hostage Families’ Vigil

Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu negotiate with Hamas and secure the release of approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read “Seal the Deal NOW!” chanted “Bring Them Home” and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages.

Personal Appeals

“I’m begging Bibi. There’s a deal on the table and you have to take it,” said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband, Keith, remains a hostage. “I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.”

Upcoming Protests and Meetings

Multiple protests are planned for Wednesday when Netanyahu addresses Congress. Police have significantly boosted security around the Capitol building and closed multiple roads for most of the week.

Biden and Harris to Meet Netanyahu

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day. Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders addressing Congress but will be away on a trip to Indianapolis, scheduled before Biden withdrew his reelection bid.

Trump’s Planned Meeting with Netanyahu

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.