Protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to voice their opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit, with many expressing uncertainty about Vice President Kamala Harris's position on the conflict as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
Amid chants and demonstrations on the National Mall ahead of Netanyahu's address to Congress, calls were made for the arrest of the foreign leader and an end to U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza. While Harris did not attend Netanyahu's speech, she is scheduled to hold a private meeting with him at the White House.
Some protesters went as far as erecting a large effigy of Netanyahu adorned with devil horns, symbolizing blood, and holding a bomb. Slogans like 'Intifada revolution' and 'from the river to the sea' echoed through the crowd as flags were burned and posters depicting Netanyahu's face in a mugshot style were waved. The U.S. Capitol Police intervened and made several arrests.
Opinions among the protesters varied, with some advocating for the dismantling of Israel, while others hoped for a two-state solution in the Middle East. Many labeled Netanyahu as a 'war criminal' who should be imprisoned and expressed doubts about Harris taking a tougher stance on Israel if she were to become president.
One protester, Elise from Virginia, voiced strong opposition to Harris, citing conflicting views on issues such as being pro-life and pro-Palestine. She criticized Harris for what she perceived as supporting a 'double genocide.'
The protest highlighted the deep divisions and passionate opinions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with demonstrators seeking to draw attention to their concerns and push for change in U.S. foreign policy towards the region.
