WASHINGTON — Groups from around the country will gather on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning with two very different messages as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a closely-watched address to Congress.
According to the advocacy group “ANSWER Coalition,” protesters will meet on the north side of the U.S. Capitol Building to voice their opposition to the Netanyahu address. They claim the prime minister’s stance on Iran, including his desire for additional sanctions, is liable to spark a war against Iran involving Israel and the U.S.
In a news release, protesters said it was “an outrage” Netanyahu was invited to speak in front of Congress.
Meanwhile, on the west end of the U.S. Capitol Building, pro-Netanyahu demonstrators will gather in a show of support.
An advocacy group called “Endowment for Middle East Truth” issued a statement, saying the rally is meant to focus on the “imminent danger of a nuclear Iran.” According to the group, a nuclear deal with Iran would be a threat to Israel, the U.S. and other nations around the world.
Nuclear talks are ongoing between Iran and six world powers, known as “p5+1.”
Netanyahu has said any nuclear deal with Iran would threaten Israel’s survival, while the Obama administration claims a potential deal would allow the international community to ensure Iran does not become armed with a nuclear weapon.
Tuesday’s address from Netanyahu is more politically-charged than most.
Netanyahu was invited to speak by Republican leaders in Congress who gave no notice to the White House, something the Obama administration called a breach of protocol.
