WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, has joined a growing roster of Democrats who say they will not attend Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled address to Congress on Wednesday, saying the invitation extended to the controversial figure was not “pono.”

What You Need To Know

  • U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda said Netanyahu’s appearance is “clearly politically motivated and divisive” and she urged greater focus on working toward a release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, a ceasefire and a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians
  • Over 20 Democratic lawmakers have announced publicly that they will boycott Netanyahu’s appearance in objection to the prime minister’s handling of his country’s war with Hamas and the subsequent humanitarian crisis in Gaza
  • The Biden administration’s response to Netanyahu’s visit has been less than effusive. Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., without an official greeting
  • Enhanced security precautions are already in place for Netanyahu’s appearance

“Foreign dignitaries addressing a joint meeting of Congress is a highly regarded invitation that reflects a mutual relationship based on shared diplomatic values,” Tokuda said in a statement released on Tuesday. “While the United States has long had a pivotal relationship with Israel to deter our adversaries and maintain stability in the Middle East, I do not feel it is appropriate, or as we say in Hawaii, "pono," to invite Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has been indicted for corruption in his own country, to address Congress. I cannot turn a blind eye to the horrific loss of life, indiscriminate bombing, famine, and suffering that have occurred in Gaza under his leadership, and I will not be attending the joint meeting.”

Tokuda said Netanyahu’s appearance is “clearly politically motivated and divisive” and she urged greater focus on working toward a release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, a ceasefire and a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Over 20 Democratic lawmakers have announced publicly that they will boycott Netanyahu’s appearance in objection to the prime minister’s handling of his country’s war with Hamas and the subsequent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Democrats are also wary of Netanyahu’s political motivations, which may include criticizing the Biden administration for a perceived lack of support and furthering former President Donald Trump’s campaign to regain the presidency.

Last week, Sen. Brian Schatz also said he will skip Netanyahu’s address.

Nearly 60 Democrats boycotted Netanyahu when he last addressed Congress in 2015.

While some Democrats contend that attending Netanyahu’s address sends an important message that the relationship between the two longtime allies remains strong, others contend that boycotting sends an equally important message that Israel’s actions in Gaza are not acceptable.

House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., previously said the decision to invite Netanyahu, initiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was “wrong.” Last week, the Congressional Progressive Staff Association sent a letter to lawmakers urging them not to attend the speech. 230 House and Senate employees anonymously endorsed the letter from 122 different Democratic and Republican Congressional offices.

Besides Tokuda and Schatz, several prominent lawmakers have already announced that they will not attend the speech, including Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C.; Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash.; and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

The Biden administration’s response to Netanyahu’s visit has been less than effusive. Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., without an official greeting. Biden postponed a scheduled meeting with the prime minister until later this week.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is making a campaign stop in Indiana, has left the duty of presiding over Wednesday’s joint session with Netanyahu to Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., but reportedly will meet with the Israeli leader later in his visit. As president pro tempore of the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., would normally assume the duty of presiding over the session, but she, too, intends to boycott the address.

Enhanced security precautions are already in place for Netanyahu’s appearance.

U.S. Capitol Police confirmed on Friday that it will have additional officers at the site in anticipation of a large demonstration.

Johnson has also threatened to have his Congressional colleagues arrested if they protest or otherwise disrupt Netanyahu’s speech.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.