Watch live: Netanyahu addresses U.S. Congress, dozens of Dems boycott speech

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From NBC News: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, his first since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel killed 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of hostages to Gaza, where about 100 are still believed to be held captive.

Netanyahu’s speech at 2 p.m. ET comes at a critical period: The U.S. is in the middle of a chaotic election year, and the Biden administration continues to push negotiators toward a cease-fire agreement that could end the war in Gaza, where more than 39,000 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.

“In my speech, I will emphasize the importance of bipartisan support for Israel, I will address our friends on both sides of the map and tell them that regardless of who will be chosen to lead the American people after the presidential elections, Israel is the most important ally of the United States in the Middle East, an irreplaceable ally,” Netanyahu said before he left for the U.S., according to his office.

Early Wednesday morning, Netanyahu announced in a social media post, “Last night in Washington, my wife Sara and I had the pleasure of meeting with US evangelical community leaders. I expressed my deep appreciation for their unwavering support of Israel, especially during these challenging times. Hearing their prayers for the return of the hostages, the well-being of our soldiers, and the security of the State of Israel was profoundly moving. I also thanked them for their vigorous efforts in engaging the community’s young people and fostering continued support for Israel. I am well aware of their deep commitment to our country and their steadfast support for the truth and our shared values.”

While Republicans are giving a warm welcome to Netanyahu, about 40 to 50 Democrats in the House and the Senate have reportedly said they will boycott his speech.

Democrat planning to skip the speech include Democrat Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn, Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Ilhan Omar, progressive Rep. Maxwell Frost, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. Sen. Bernie Sanders and many others.

Ocasio-Cortez fumed, “It is a dark day in US history when an authoritarian with warrant requests from the International Criminal Court is allowed to address a joint session of Congress. 40k Palestinians are dead. Hostages aren’t home. Netanyahu is a war criminal. I will be boycotting his address.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement on social media, “Today, we will welcome Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu to the Capitol to deliver remarks to a joint meeting of Congress. As Israel fights a just war for its survival, and eight American hostages remain in captivity, his testimony to Congress is critical. Our two nations must continue to stand together to bring our hostages home safely and send a clear message of unity to our common enemies.”

WATCH LIVE COVERAGE of Netanyahu’s speech in the video below:

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