Several Senate Democrats are uncertain about attending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress next month. Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut stated that he has not yet decided whether he will attend. Other Democratic Senators like Tom Carper, Tina Smith, Brian Schatz, and Angus King also expressed indecision about their attendance.
The invitation for Netanyahu to speak to lawmakers was signed by bipartisan congressional leaders who emphasized the enduring relationship between the United States and Israel. Despite some criticism of Netanyahu, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer signed onto the invitation, highlighting the strong bond between the two countries.
While some progressive Senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have already announced that they will not be attending the address, others like Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Jacky Rosen, Jon Tester, Tammy Baldwin, Bob Casey, and Sherrod Brown have confirmed their plans to attend. Senator Rosen, who is up for re-election in Nevada, is only the third Jewish woman to serve as a senator in U.S. history.
The decision to attend Netanyahu’s address appears to be influenced by various factors, including political considerations and personal beliefs. Schumer’s office did not provide a comment on potential Democratic absences, indicating that the issue remains a point of contention within the party.
As the debate continues among Senate Democrats, the decision to attend or skip Netanyahu’s address could have implications for U.S.-Israel relations and domestic politics. The differing opinions within the Democratic caucus reflect the complex dynamics at play when it comes to foreign policy and international affairs.