Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) issued the following statement on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress scheduled for tomorrow and her decision not to attend. 

“Foreign dignitaries addressing a joint meeting of Congress is a highly regarded invitation that reflects a mutual relationship based on shared diplomatic values. 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. 

This is clearly politically motivated and divisive. We must instead focus on working towards the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.“

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