House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Congress as “his excellency.”

“Members of Congress, I now have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you, his excellency, Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel,” Johnson said.

Congress gave Netanyahu a round of applause.

WATCH:

From The Times of Israel:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is introduced to a standing ovation as he shakes hands with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as he arrives to address a joint session of Congress.

Three Democrats, including Rashida Tlaib, remain seated and do not clap.
The applause, whistles and cheers continue for well over a minute.

The cheers grow louder as Netanyahu takes the stage, with Republicans noticeably more enthusiastic.

Not every member of Congress was happy about Netanyahu’s address.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) called Netanyahu’s congressional invitation “utterly disgraceful.”

The Michigan Democrat held up a ‘War Criminal’ sign as Netanyahu spoke.

WATCH:

The Hill reports:

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) on Tuesday called it “utterly disgraceful” that Congress has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address it Wednesday.

“Netanyahu is a war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people,” Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in the House or Senate, said in a statement. “It is utterly disgraceful that leaders from both parties have invited him to address Congress. He should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court.”

Tlaib has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinians in Gaza. She was censured last year over her criticism of Israel.

She is one of several Democrats frustrated with the invitation and Netanyahu’s war in Gaza. The Israeli leader claims he won’t back down until Hamas is destroyed and the remaining hostages are returned.

Advocacy organizations warn that famine is possibly underway in Gaza, as millions of Palestinians are displaced due to the war. More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed, the Health Ministry said.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) also voiced his displeasure with Netanyahu’s address.

“Today Congress will undertake political theater on behalf of the State Department. The purpose of having Netanyahu address Congress is to bolster his political standing in Israel and to quell int’l opposition to his war. I don’t feel like being a prop so I won’t be attending,” Massie said.

“Once again, @RepThomasMassie is standing with @AOC and @BernieSanders against our ally Israel,” AIPAC said.

“Call me anything you want. I still won’t be attending your war rally,” Massie replied.

Watch Netanyahu’s address below:

 

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