House speaker: Disruption of Netanyahu speech could lead to arrest

July 19, 2024 - 18:59

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said some Democratic lawmakers may try to interrupt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress next week but that they will be arrested if need be, the Times of Israel reported.

“There are a number of Democrats in the House who have said they’re going to boycott that event. Some others may protest,” Johnsons said in an address to an event organized by the Republican Jewish Coalition on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“We’re going to have extra sergeants at arms on the floor. If anybody gets out of hand… We’re going to arrest people if we have to do it,” he added.

High-profile Democratic lawmakers, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, have signaled their intention to boycott Netanyahu’s controversial address over Israel’s war on Gaza.