Anti-Israel protesters caused chaos in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress. The protesters were seen burning American flags, raising the Palestinian flag, and vandalizing statues with anti-Israel messages.
Actress and activist Susan Sarandon joined the protesters, delivering a passionate speech rejecting the normalization of genocide. She called on the crowd to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, leading a chant of “We see you, we hear you, we will raise your voices.”
The White House condemned the protesters, calling their actions disgraceful and emphasizing that antisemitism and violence are never acceptable. Law enforcement agencies arrested a total of 23 pro-Hamas agitators for their unruly behavior during the protest.
Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Roger Williams and Rep. Brian Mast, expressed their support for Israel and criticized the protesters for burning American flags. The United States Park Police is seeking information about the protesters who assaulted officers and damaged property during the demonstration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his address to Congress, criticized the Gaza cease-fire demonstrations across the U.S. and accused Iran of funding the protests. He called the protesters “useful idiots” for Iran and highlighted their ignorance about Hamas’ ideology.
The chaotic scenes in Washington, D.C. underscore the deep divisions and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The protests have sparked a national conversation about free speech, peaceful protest, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
