Rashida Tlaib Holds ‘War Criminal’ Protest Sign During Netanyahu Address to Congress

Zachary LeemanJul 24th, 2024, 3:07 pm
 
Rashida Tlaib Protests Netanyahu During Congress Address

Screenshot via CSPAN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was met with bipartisan applause during his Wednesday address to Congress, but not everyone was happy about his presence.

A number of Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), chose not to attend. One Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), also said he would not attend so he could avoid being used as a “prop.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel and its tactics in its war against Hamas, but she chose to attend Wednesday’s event.

While others were standing and applauding Netanyahu celebrating the United States and Israel coming together, Tlaib remained seated and held a black paddle board sign with the words “war criminal” in white. C-SPAN posted the moment to X, formerly Twitter. Tlaib can be seen holding her sign higher and higher and other lawmakers applaud Netanyahu.

Tlaib previously accused Israel of the “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza and she’s backed an immediate ceasefire, along with other members of the congressional “Squad.”

The Israeli leader’s strikes on Gaza have led to thousands of civilian casualties and caused backlash to the war. During Wednesday’s address, Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden for his support in Israel’s effort to wipe out the terror group Hamas for their Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

“Suddenly heaven turned into hell,” Netanyahu told Congress about Oct. 7. “3,000 Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel. They butchered 1,200 people from 41 countries, including 39 Americans. Proportionately, compared to our population size, that’s like twenty 9/11s in one day. And these monsters. They raped women, they beheaded men, and they burned babies alive. They killed parents in front of their children. And children in front of their parents.”

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Zachary Leeman

Zachary Leeman covered pop culture and politics at outlets such as Breitbart, LifeZette, BizPac Review, HollywoodinToto, and others. He is the author of the novel Nigh. He joined Mediaite in 2022.