Dueling protests were held outside the U.S. Capitol during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech Tuesday.
Netanyahu said his appearance before Congress was not politically motivated. In his historic and controversial address, he said negotiations between the U.S. and Iran would all but guarantee that Tehran gets nuclear weapons.
A group carrying U.S. and Israeli flags were there to support Netanyahu's right to speak to a joint meeting of Congress.
“When you tuck your children in at night ask, what you have done to make America safe and to stand up for America’s only ally in the Middle East, Israel,” said Joyce Saxe of Springfield, who has children and grandchildren living in Jerusalem.
At a counter-demonstration a block away, protesters carried signs saying, “Netanyahu go home. You don't represent Jews or Judaism.”
“Netanyahu's speech today is warmongering against Iran and insulting behavior against our president,” said Rabbi Dovid Feldman of New York.
At one point, protesters supporting Netanyahu objected to the message of the anti-Netanyahu group.
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After breaking up a heated argument, U.S. Capitol Police took positions in front of the protesters.
Afterward, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said Israel should not dictate U.S. policy on Iran.
“Just keep in mind that Israel is a nuclear power and Israel is imposing a threat to its neighboring countries," Executive Director Nihad Awad said.
Netanyahu's speech was applauded by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington representing local synagogues and schools.
More angry exchanges between the pro- and anti-Netanyahu demonstrators followed the speech, but they disbanded peacefully.
