Demonstrators have gathered outside the Watergate Hotel in anticipation of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's upcoming speech before a joint session of the House and Senate. The protesters are expressing their opposition to Netanyahu's presence, leading to heightened security measures by the Washington, D.C. police and the U.S. Secret Service.
Video footage shows an image of Netanyahu displayed prominently on the hotel's wall, further fueling the demonstrators' discontent. Republican lawmakers have urged Vice President Kamala Harris to intervene and prevent potential disruptions during Netanyahu's address to Congress on Wednesday.
Concerns have been raised about an estimated 25,000 protestors, primarily supporters of Kamala Harris and her allies, planning to gather at the House of Representatives. This large-scale demonstration could potentially disrupt or even halt congressional proceedings, as stated by California Rep. Darrell Issa.
Netanyahu's visit to Washington also includes a meeting with President Joe Biden on Thursday to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, now in its 10th month. However, Vice President Harris is not expected to attend either of Netanyahu's appearances in the capital this week.