Booker Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Joint Address to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement:

"Prime Minister Netanyahu will perhaps be remembered as one of the worst leaders in Israel's history. I've long had serious disagreements with his actions and those of his ultra-right wing governing coalition - from their actions to erode Israel's democratic institutions, to their allowance of illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and lack of accountability for extremist settler violence, to their undermining of the Palestinian Authority - all of which threaten Israel's security and the prospects for a two-state solution.

"Furthermore, when Israel needed clear-eyed leadership in the wake of the horrific October 7 terror attacks, Prime Minister Netanyahu responded by prioritizing his own political survival over the security of Israelis and the safe return of the hostages held by Hamas - including eight American citizens. Many other Israeli leaders were willing to step up and accept responsibility for their failures; Prime Minister Netanyahu instead pointed fingers of blame. I believe his leadership has led to a prolonged military conflict between Israel and Hamas and horrific levels of death and suffering of civilians in Gaza. His actions have made ensuring true Israeli security, ending the conflict, and establishing a lasting and just peace more difficult.

"At a time when 72 percent of Israelis think he should resign from office, there must be accountability for Prime Minister Netanyahu's failures and his undermining of Israel's democracy.

"I support the State of Israel - its security, its flourishing, and its profound potential. I believe there is a deep and unbreakable bond between our two nations - a bond that should never be undermined by partisan politics here at home. Out of respect for this special relationship and my love for the people of Israel, I will attend today's speech. I remain committed to holding Prime Minister Netanyahu accountable and working toward a lasting and just peace for all the people in the region.

"Ending this crisis starts with an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict that stops the fighting, brings the hostages home, and allows desperately needed humanitarian aid to flow to civilians in Gaza. Working towards a two-state solution is the only pathway to a lasting peace that protects Israel's right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state and ensures the Palestinian people's right to human dignity, prosperity, self-determination, and a state of their own."