Wisconsin's Democratic delegation split on attending Netanyahu address to Congress

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Members of Wisconsin's Democratic delegation are split on attending a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Congress as some plan to boycott his address due to the on-going war in Gaza.

Reps. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) and Mark Pocan (D-Town of Vermont) both released statements Wednesday morning that they'll skip Netanyahu's speech to protest Israel's war in Gaza.

The issue has become a political flashpoint in the U.S. presidential election over the humanitarian crisis the war has created.

“For nearly 10 months, Netanyahu has waged a deadly and excessive response that has targeted Gazan civilians," Pocan said. "It is wildly inappropriate to give the distinct honor of addressing Congress to a man who has violated international human rights law so severely that an arrest warrant for war crimes has been recommended by the International Criminal Court."

Moore said, "Israel and the Palestinians need is a new direction in this conflict, not another speech in the well of the House.”

"I continue to stand with Israel, which is why I strongly support the ongoing efforts of President Biden and his Administration to support them and innocent Palestinians by working to reach a ceasefire deal," Moore added.

Pocan and Moore join nearly 50 members of Congress who will boycott Netanyahu's speech, according to CNN.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) will be the only Wisconsin Democrat attending the speech because she wants to hear "exactly how Israel plans to end this war."

“I plan to attend and expect to hear Prime Minister Netanyahu lay out exactly how Israel plans to end this war, bring the hostages home, surge aid into Gaza, and take steps toward a two-state solution," Baldwin said in a statement to CBS 58.

Netanyahu's address to Congress will be the first time he speaks directly to lawmakers since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel resulting in Hamas killing 1,2000 people and holding about 100 hostages believed to be held captive.

His speech is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET.

Barriers were placed at several entrances to the Capitol in Washington D.C. and security was enhanced this week after hundreds of anti-war protesters staged a sit-in at a congressional office building yesterday.