The recent decision by U.S. congressional leaders to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the Capitol has rightly sparked outrage and dismay among those who oppose Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. Coming as it does in the wake of the International Criminal Court’s charges against Netanyahu, this move, which aims to showcase solidarity with Israel, is deeply troubling on moral, political, and geostrategic grounds, highlighting the hypocrisy and, to put it mildly, moral ambiguity of U.S. foreign policy.
The invitation to Netanyahu comes at a time when Israel’s military assault on Gaza has resulted in widespread civilian casualties and well documented allegations of war crimes. The ICC’s charges against Netanyahu and his defense minister further underscore the reality and gravity of the situation, casting a new shadow over Israel’s actions and its international standing. By extending this invitation, congressional leaders are effectively condoning Israel’s actions and turning a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza.
From a moral perspective, the decision to invite Netanyahu is indefensible. It sends a message that the lives of Palestinian civilians are expendable, and that Israel’s actions are beyond reproach. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and the use of force against unarmed protesters cannot be justified under any circumstances. By inviting Netanyahu to speak at the Capitol, congressional leaders are complicit in legitimizing Israel’s atrocities and perpetuating the cycle of violence in the region.
Of course, they also supplied the bombs.
Politically, the invitation to Netanyahu further undermines America’s credibility as a champion of human rights and democracy—a crumbling façade Washington has continued to try and prop up despite its clear and long history of double standards. This move totally exposes the hypocrisy of U.S. foreign policy, which claims to uphold the principles of justice and equality while turning a blind eye to Israel’s violations of international law.
But then, as the ICC prosecutor himself was allegedly told by a senior U.S. politician, “The ICC is for Africa and thugs like Putin.”
Life is apparently cheaper in the browner parts of the globe—remember the European politicians horrified that death by bombing was no longer something confined to the global south? That can’t be happening here!
From a geostrategic perspective, the invitation to Netanyahu could have far-reaching consequences for Washington’s proclaimed interests in the Middle East and beyond. By aligning itself so closely with Tel Aviv as it goes on an unrestrained rampage, Washington risks alienating its allies in the Arab world and fueling anti-American sentiment in the region—particularly the Arab street, which unlike its autocratic rulers won’t be bought off by the Abrham Accords promises of boundless U.S. military hardware, security guarantees, or nuclear programs.
At bottom, given all the clear ways the above go against the interests of the American people, the decision to invite Netanyahu can only reasonably be attributed to the paramount influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups in Washington and to the undue influence of foreign powers on U.S. politics, which has now culminated in Washington’s unabashed public support for a leader accused of war crimes.
In conclusion, the decision to invite Netanyahu to address Congress is deeply misguided and morally reprehensible. It sends the wrong message to the world and undermines America’s credibility as a defender of human rights and democracy (the Financial Times recently recommended Washington drop this pretense entirely, as it happens). Instead of standing up for justice and accountability, congressional leaders have chosen to prioritize political expediency and appease Israel at the expense of Palestinian lives. It is incumbent upon all people of conscience to condemn this decision and demand accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
