Congressional leadership has made a grave political error, and made the human rights crisis in Palestine worse by inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session on July 24. This misguided decision threatens to legitimize policies that have led to unprecedented suffering and loss of life in Gaza while undermining efforts for a critically needed ceasefire.
Just last week the top UN court declared the Netanyahu government’s occupation of Palestine ‘illegal’ and said they must end Israeli apartheid as ‘rapidly as possible.’ But Netanyahu is using tacit support from the US Congress, along with money and fuel from fossil fuel companies to remain in power and continue waging his genocidal war despite calls from millions of Israelis and Palestinians alike for change and peace.
Tell Congress, it’s not too late to pull back from the brink. Genocide has no place on the floor of the US Congress, and they must withdraw Netanyahu’s invitation now.
We’ve spoken out repeatedly and forcefully for a ceasefire, and in support of public protest and comment against the war. And because Chevron fuels Israel’s war machine as co-owner of the major gas fields off the coast of occupied Palestinian land, we’ve been taking action to push Chevron and other corporations to divest from Israel’s war machine too.
Starvation continues to be used as a weapon of war in Gaza and the suffering and death toll there is rising; as fighting worsens on the Israel-Lebanon border, and now expands to Yemen and even further , PM Netanyahu continues to ignore demands from millions of people — including hostages’ families and thousands of Israelis — to accept a ceasefire that can end the violence, bring their loved ones home, and build true security.
It shouldn’t be surprising. Netanyahu has built a career on impunity and sabotaging peace processes. His current resume includes everything from domestic corruption charges to overseeing efforts to manipulate U.S. public opinion to accusations of empowering Hamas to weaken a two-state solution.
Netanyahu’s address would be a slap in the face to every victim directly harmed by his disastrous policies in Israel and Palestine, every community mourning loved ones, and every advocate for peace and human rights — but it doesn’t have to be.
By speaking out today you could help make this the moment when champions for peace in Congress show up to right the course by rescinding an invite that should never have been extended in the first place. Can you join us in sending that urgent message now?