Skip the political theater. Focus on human lives at risk
That was the thrust of New Haven U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s explanation for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned speech before Congress Wednesday.
Netanyahu came at the invitation of Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. Navigating the landmines of the political landscape of the war in Gaza, Democrat DeLauro issued a release saying she would instead spend the time checking in with the families of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7.
Following is the full text of the release:
As I did in 2015, I have decided not to attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress. My record shows that I am a strong supporter of Israel and understand its unique security needs. I have traveled to Israel many times during my tenure, have a special bond with Connecticut’s Jewish community, and I believe October 7th was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas cannot be allowed to govern Gaza, and the release of hostages must be a part of any ceasefire.
I am angry Republicans have used this address to score political points and stoke division. And I am shocked by the ongoing Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, spearheaded by Prime Minister Netanyahu, that has been indifferent to the loss of Palestinian lives and settler violence. For these reasons, I will not attend the joint address.
This morning, I will meet with the families of Israeli hostages. I wanted to have a direct dialogue with Israeli citizens, hear what their needs are, and to let these families and the people of Israel know that we are with them and support them.
I am encouraged that there seems to have been progress in ceasefire talks. We need an immediate ceasefire.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government must prioritize a two-state solution, the protection of civilians, and a dramatic, immediate increase in delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The United States and Israel share a bond forged by our shared values as democracies. We will always be allies, I will always support Israel, and I am committed to shaping a world in which Israelis can live in peace and security. I will continue my work to foster bipartisan support for Israel and a two-state solution.