The politics and policy dilemmas of the Netanyahu visit

Dan Kurtzer, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel (2001–2005) and Egypt (1997–2001) and JDCA Board Member

An important message to Democratic members of the Senate and the House: Whether you attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech or not, approach his visit with respect for the office of the Prime Minister and the highly important relationship between the United States and the State of Israel. Further, remind Americans that you and your party have been a staunch ally and supporter of Israel and the Israeli people. Do not allow political opponents to exploit differences of view here that are no more significant than differences of view among Israelis themselves.

Netanyahu’s July 24 speech to a joint session of Congress represents a significant political event for him, far more than it is related to policy. Netanyahu is under fire at home for the policy he pursued during the decade preceding October 7 of preferring Hamas over the PLO, in view of the PLO’s demand for an independent state in the territories Israel occupied in 1967. Netanyahu’s approach, reportedly including permitting vast sums of money to flow to Hamas, allowed Hamas to accumulate significant weaponry and provided time for Hamas to build a strategic infrastructure of tunnels throughout Gaza and to prepare for its horrific attack against Israel on October 7 last year.

Netanyahu also faces intense political pressure since October 7 for what a significant majority of Israelis believe is his foot-dragging in pursuit of a deal that would bring home Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas in return for a ceasefire. Extremists within Netanyahu’s coalition appear to care less about the hostages and more about continuing the war and perhaps resettling Gaza. Netanyahu cannot deal effectively with the extremists he brought into the coalition, for if they bolt and the government collapses, he will fall from power and the corruption trials against him will resume. The visit to Washington and the likely ovations he will receive in Congress are designed to l help him politically at home.

The invitation to Netanyahu was orchestrated by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, ostensibly to demonstrate support for Israel, but also to put the Democrats on the spot. Keep in mind this group of Republican leaders in the House and Senate were the ones who delayed and denied aid to Israel in the aftermath of the Oct. 7th attack by Hamas. It is cynical and shameful for politicians to try to create a political divide in support of Israel. Israel needs bi-partisan support, now more than ever.

The question of the day, thus, is what should Democrats do when Netanyahu comes to Capitol Hill? Democrats can stand tall and proudly for the support they have provided Israel for many decades and, more particularly, since October 7. Pushing aside criticism from many quarters, President Biden and the Democrats have provided unprecedented political, material and security support for Israel. Israeli and U.S. officials have consulted and coordinated non-stop — at the highest levels — since early October. The President himself took the remarkable step to travel to Israel and embrace a population traumatized by the brutality of Hamas and the searing reality of hostages being held by the terrorists. And, in July, the United States coordinated a region-wide anti-missile umbrella to help Israel defend itself against Iran’s attack. This complemented other American security activities in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea to help defeat the so-called axis of resistance in its fervor to kill Israelis.

So, when Netanyahu shows up in Congress, whether Democrats attend the speech or decide not to, there is no reason to be put on the defensive. The party platform is uncompromisingly supportive of Israel and assures Israel of the support it requires for its security and well-being. Whatever differences members of Congress –- Democrats and Republicans — may have with Netanyahu and his policies must not be mischaracterized as diminishing the significant bipartisan support for Israel that has characterized American policy and politics for decades.