Statement on Benjamin Netanyahu’s attacks on the First Amendment

On July 24, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited by the leaders of both parties to give a rare address before a joint session of Congress. During the address Netanyahu attacked US protesters. 

The following statement can be attributed to Defending Rights & Dissent Policy Director Chip Gibbons:

It is appalling that the bicameral, bipartisan leadership of our Congress saw fit to invite someone credibly accused of war crimes and human rights violations, including the deliberate targeting of journalists and violating the Genocide Convention, to use Congress as the backdrop for a PR stunt. It was clear from the beginning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would deliver a propagandistic address designed to elicit public support for Israel’s war on Gaza. 

It was a complete abuse of the Congressional bully pulpit Netanyahu was recklessly gifted for him to use the opportunity to demonize Americans who protest his war crimes. He baselessly pondered whether those protesting him outside the Congress were funded by Iran and ridiculed LGBT ceasefire protesters by comparing them to “Chickens for KFC.”

By demonizing and attacking Americans exercising their First Amendment rights to protest his war crimes, Netanyahu’s agenda was clear. He was hoping to further the suppression of their speech. 

What is all the more shocking is that members of Congress from both parties applauded Netahyahu’s attacks on their constituents’ constitutional rights. At least one of Netayanahu’s attacks on US protesters received a standing ovation of over a minute. Congress swore an oath to our Constitution that includes the First Amendment. They should not be siding with a war criminal over the First Amendment.

Defending Rights & Dissent urges you to contact your Congressional representatives and urge them to issue a statement affirming that Americans have a First Amendment right to protest for Palestinian rights and to rebuke Netanyahu’s shocking abuse of his Congressional platform to attack US protesters.