Israeli President Herzog to Address Joint Session of Congress by Richard Silverstein

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will address a Joint Session of Congress on July 19th… At least four members of Congress have announced a boycott of Herzog’s speech: Reps. Cori Bush, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Jamaal Bowman.  Rashida Tlaib has not joined them (yet). If she does attend, I’m virtually certain she will stage an act of protest during the event.

…I want to declare as forcefully as I can that as a Jew, I support [their] decision.. .There is no reason to give any Israeli a hero’s welcome.  Israel is a nation that has gone off the rails. Not only is it on the verge of becoming a fascist state, rejecting the rule of law and destroying the power of the judicial branch, it is also engaged in what can only be called genocide against Palestinians.  Mass violence by both the IDF and settlers acting on behalf of the state, along with numerous other phenomena, justify using this controversial term.  This must not be rewarded. Instead, the US should announce a boycott of all Israeli leaders; even prohibit them from entering the US.  Or at least the worst of the lot (which is most of the cabinet) should face such prohibition.