Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested At Capitol As Netanyahu Arrives In Washington

Police arrested hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters who were calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and an arms embargo on Israel at the Capitol on Tuesday, a day before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a controversial address to Congress.

More than 400 mostly Jewish protesters participated in a sit-in at the Cannon House Office Building’s rotunda wearing red shirts that read, “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel.” Footage showed rabbis leading the protesters in prayer and song while wearing shawls that said, “Never Again for Anyone.”

The demonstrators, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, sang chants calling for a free Palestine and an end to genocide until Capitol Police arrived. Officers can be seen on video grabbing banners and arresting demonstrators before escorting them out.

“For nine months, we’ve watched in horror as the Israeli government has carried out a genocide, armed and funded by the U.S.,” JVP Executive Director Stefanie Fox said in a statement. “Congress and the Biden administration have the power to end this horror today.”

“Instead, our president is preparing to meet with Netanyahu and congressional leadership has honored him with an invitation to address Congress,” Fox continued. “Enough is enough. Biden and Congress must listen to the people: We need an arms embargo now to save lives.”

Tuesday’s arrests are likely a preview of bigger protests on Wednesday when Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress.

The Israeli prime minister is hoping to win more support for a military offensive that has devastated both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He has so far refused to accept a cease-fire in exchange for the hostages kidnapped by Hamas in October.

The prime minister’s arrival has