During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent speech to a joint session of Congress, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., sparked controversy by protesting with a sign labeling him a 'war criminal.' This action drew condemnation from several social media commentators.
Netanyahu used his address to criticize Gaza cease-fire demonstrations in the U.S. and accused Iran of funding these protests. While many praised his leadership and speech, some Democrats chose to skip the event in protest.
Rep. Tlaib, a Palestinian American known for her strong criticism of Israel, was present in the chamber. She has previously called for Netanyahu to be arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC). During his speech, Tlaib silently protested by holding a sign that accused him of being 'guilty of genocide' and a 'war criminal.'
Reports indicate that a member of the House sergeant-at-arms' staff approached Tlaib multiple times, leading her to eventually put the sign down. However, the incident sparked a significant reaction on social media, with many expressing strong opinions about Tlaib's actions.