Bibi, It's Cold Outside

Plus: Border Czar? What Border Czar?

In Today’s BRIGHT

Bibi, It’s Cold Outside
Biden Speaks to the Nation
Substack Spotlight: The Prosecutor vs. the Felon?
Border Czar? What Border Czar?

Bibi, It’s Cold Outside

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed most members of Congress for nearly an hour. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to eliminating Hamas’ military capabilities in Gaza and outlined his vision for a “demilitarized and de-radicalized” Gaza under Palestinian civilian administration but with Israeli security control. Negotiations for a ceasefire have continued for three weeks, with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar mediating. CNN noted that there was no mention of ceasefire negotiations despite ongoing international pressure.

During the speech, bipartisan applause occurred when Netanyahu praised President Biden, while Republicans alone cheered his praise for former President Trump. Senator John Fetterman even wore a suit! Newsweek noted, “Fetterman and Senator Joe Manchin were the only non-Republicans who stayed behind to shake hands with Netanyahu after his speech. Dozens of Democrats, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, left the chamber before Netanyahu finished.”

What was going on outside the chambers was a different story. The day before the speech, dozens of congressional staffers walked out in protest of Netanyahu’s address to Congress. The group, Congressional Staff for Ceasefire, criticized Netanyahu’s presence, calling it a disgrace to American values and urging an end to the Gaza war. I don’t know the ages of those who walked out, but it seems those newer to the workforce don’t know when their private activism ends and their work begins. Additionally, their bosses don’t care to tell them.

On Wednesday, protestors released maggots and crickets into the Watergate Hotel, where it was rumored that Netanyahu and his entourage would be staying. The hotel responded:

“We are aware of the social media video circulating on multiple platforms involving The Watergate Hotel and the unfortunate incident that occurred at the property yesterday. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and staff. We took the necessary steps to ensure the property has been sanitized and is now operating as normal. We are cooperating fully with authorities, who are handling the situation. As this is an open case, we are unable to provide any further details at this time.”

The Hill noted that during the speech itself, the protests continued:

Pro-Palestinian protesters made their presence known around the Capitol on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress.

Thousands of demonstrators demanded the arrest of Netanyahu, who has been charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

On X, Capitol Police said there had been five arrests in the House Gallery. Additionally, Katie Pavlich reported, “All three flags at Union Station in Washington DC, including the American flag, have been replaced by the flag Hamas wears.”

Netanyahu had this to say to the protestors: “I have a message for these [anti-Israeli] protestors. When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots!”