Democrats Plan Boycott Of Netanyahu's D.C. Speech

Democrats are preparing to send a strong signal of dissatisfaction with the Israeli war effort and with Netanyahu's leadership in particular.

What we're hearing: Multiple discussions about counter-programming have taken place, primarily among progressives but including other Democratic lawmakers as well, the sources say.

The proposals include a press conference, a vigil, or an event with families of those taken hostage by Hamas, many of whom feel Netanyahu hasn't done enough to free their loved ones.In a sign of how extensive and high-level some of these discussions are, former House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) told Politico he was participating in one counter-programming meeting.

We are hearing from others in the caucus that they would like to be part of counter-programming that is focused on peace, bringing the hostages home, and ending this horrible conflict," the lawmaker said."More moderate Dems are extremely frustrated that this Netanyahu visit undermines the work of the Biden administration and is disrespectful to Israelis who want Netanyahu out."Some moderate, pro-Israel Democrats have emerged as surprisingly harsh critics of Israel's operations in Gaza in recent months.