Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address US Congress today. Pro-Palestinian and anti-Netanyahu protesters have gathered in Washington, DC, ahead of his speech.
Netanyahu’s address comes as the death toll from Israel’s war in Gaza nears 40,000, according to the health ministry in the enclave. Ceasefire negotiations aimed at turning a framework agreement into a final deal are stretching into their third week, with multiple previous attempts stalled.
US Vice President Kamala Harris will skip Netanyahu’s speech — as will about 80 House Democrats and multiple Democratic senators — according to sources and public statements reviewed by CNN. Harris will instead meet with the Israeli leader on Thursday. Netanyahu is also slated to speak with congressional leaders from both parties.
Separately, Netanyahu and Biden will meet at the White House on Thursday, where the two leaders will speak with US families of hostages still held in Gaza.