The U.S. Capitol Police is increasing security measures in Washington ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson announced.
The plan includes “adding more officers—including from several outside agencies” and “ensuring that we have enough resources for our teams,” according to a Capitol Police statement cited by U.S. media.
“We anticipate a large number of demonstrators to show up. We respect everyone’s First Amendment rights, however all demonstrations must be done peacefully and legally,” the statement added, per Axios.
Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday at 2 p.m. per the invitation of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
The invite “symbolizes the U.S. and Israel’s enduring relationship and will offer Prime Minister Netanyahu the opportunity to share the Israeli government’s vision for defending their democracy, combating terror, and establishing just and lasting peace in the region,” they said in June.
The speech will mark the fourth time the Israeli premier has addressed the legislatures, a record for a foreign leader.
The U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR), an organization that coordinates the efforts of over 300 anti-Israel groups, has warned that “tens of thousands of people from across the U.S.” will gather at the Capitol during the speech to demand a “citizen’s arrest” of Netanyahu.
The House sergeant at arms, William McFarland, announced in a notice to congressional offices on Friday that climb-resistant fences would be set up around the Capitol, similar to during the State of the Union.
McFarland also warned of road closures and encouraged staffers and lawmakers to move between House offices and the Capitol through the complex’s underground tunnel complex instead of going above ground.
Some members of Congress opposed to Netanyahu and Israel’s war against Hamas have said they will boycott the Israeli leader’s address.
Johnson warned during an event organized by the Republican Jewish Coalition on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention on Thursday that Democrats may attempt to interrupt Netanyahu’s speech.
“We’re going to have extra sergeants at arms on the floor. If anybody gets out of hand … We’re going to arrest people if we have to do it,” he stated.
Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday ahead of the speech to Congress, Jerusalem confirmed on Sunday. The meeting will mark the first time Biden has hosted Netanyahu at the White House since the Israeli leader returned to office following the 2022 election.
The two leaders did meet in the United States in September, but Biden chose to hold the sit-down with Netanyahu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly’s annual session in New York.
