Anti-Israel Demonstrators Clash with Police in Washington, D.C. Ahead of Netanyahu’s Speech
Anti-Israel demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, resulting in clashes with police. The protesters, estimated to be a few hundred strong, were seen carrying signs labeling Netanyahu as a “Wanted War Criminal” and burning Israeli flags.
Organized by groups like Answer Coalition and Code Pink, the protesters chanted slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Stop the Genocide,” while some even burned effigies of Netanyahu. One demonstrator was spotted carrying the flag of the terrorist group Hamas, further escalating tensions.
Inside Capitol Hill, Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a sign calling Netanyahu a “war criminal” during his speech. The crowds also chanted “From the river to the sea…,” a phrase calling for the elimination of Israel.
Police were forced to intervene as the protesters blocked traffic and released colored powder into the air. Pepper spray was used, and six people were arrested for disrupting the joint meeting of Congress.
Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, clashes continued near Columbus Circle, with the Park Police revoking the protest permit and urging protesters to disperse.
The demonstration highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the divisive nature of Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. Capitol. Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to the coverage of the event.
For more updates on this story and other news, follow Fox News reporter Danielle Wallace on Twitter @danimwallace.
