Nancy Pelosi Puts Netanyahu on Blast After Speech to Congress

U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s address to Congress on Wednesday.

Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., and delivered a highly anticipated speech to Congress on Wednesday. It was the prime minister’s first speech to U.S. lawmakers since Hamas launched a surprise terrorist attack on Israel. It is his fourth address to Congress.

Several Democrats had voiced their opposition to Netanyahu’s arrival by declaring they wouldn’t attend his address. Others attended but then expressed their disappointment in Netanyahu’s address either during or after the speech. For example, Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, held up signs reading “war criminal” and “guilty of genocide” throughout the speech.

Pelosi, a Democrat from California, also made her opinions on Netanyahu known.

“Benjamin Netanyahu’s presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States,” Pelosi posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday afternoon. “Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings. These families are asking for a ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home – and we hope the Prime Minister would spend his time achieving that goal.”

Newsweek reached out to Netanyahu’s office through online contact form for comment.

In the months since Hamas’ surprise attack, Netanyahu has faced criticism for the Palestinian death toll, which is nearing 40,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry. He is also facing pressure to strike a peace deal to bring home the 120 hostages that remain in captivity. Countless protests held in support of both sides have occurred throughout the U.S.

The atmosphere outside of Congressional chambers during Netanyahu’s address was contentious, with the U.S. Capitol Police declaring that people gathered outside near where the speech was held were starting to “become violent.” Several arrests were made within the House galleries for alleged unlawful conduct.

Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, called Netanyahu’s speech “a setback” for U.S.-Israel relations that “very clearly” played to former President Donald Trump, according to Punchbowl News reporter Andrew Desiderio.

Other Congress members lauded the speech, and there was a standing ovation after Netanyahu finished his address. Not all Democrats voiced their displeasure in Netanyahu. For example, Senator John Fetterman said it was “important” to hear from the Israeli prime minister, Newsweek previously reported.

“That’s his right, and it’s our responsibility [to listen to] that,” he told reporters.