As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for his Washington visit, U.S. Capitol Police announces increased security measures, The Hill reported.

U.S. Capitol Police are bolstering their ranks in anticipation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress, a move that has stirred controversy and protests.

Netanyahu's visit, set for next week, comes after a bipartisan group of lawmakers invited him in May.

This invitation is not without contention, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza war, prompting calls from various quarters for protests against his speech.

Extensive Security Measures Unveiled

Preparations for Netanyahu's visit involve not only the U.S. Capitol Police but also coordination with federal, state, and local agencies.

The police have designed a comprehensive security plan that includes additional officers and continuing intelligence sharing among involved agencies.

"For safety reasons, we never provide specific security details, but generally, we can say that our plan includes adding more officers — including from several outside agencies — continuing our robust intelligence sharing with our partners, and ensuring that we have enough resources for our teams," said a representative of the U.S. Capitol Police.

Controversy Surrounds Netanyahu's Visit

The decision to invite Netanyahu has been divisive. Several Democratic lawmakers have voiced their opposition and plan to protest during his address.

Furthermore, more than 200 congressional staff members have signed a letter urging Congress to protest or boycott the speech.

Prominent Israeli groups have also joined the call to rescind the invitation, emphasizing the disapproval from various community sections. This dissent highlights the deep divisions regarding U.S. foreign policy and its implications.

Anticipation of Protests During the Visit

The Capitol Police is preparing for a significant turnout of demonstrators. "We respect everyone's First Amendment rights.

However, all demonstrations must be done peacefully and legally," the USCP has emphasized, setting the tone for expected public expressions during the visit.

Guidelines for demonstrations have been issued, focusing on maintaining peace and legality. With expected road closures and further public guidance to be announced, attendees and residents are advised to stay informed of the latest developments.

International Context of Netanyahu's Visit

Netanyahu's visit also occurs amidst tense negotiations led by the Biden administration, seeking a cease-fire in Gaza. The aim is to secure the release of hostages and de-escalate the conflict that has resulted in a nearly 39,000 Palestinian death toll, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.

The international community has primarily criticized the war, with calls for an immediate halt to the hostilities and a more sustained effort towards peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address the U.S. Congress, the Capitol Police is ramping up security measures in anticipation of large protests.

The visit, mired in controversy due to the ongoing war in Gaza, reflects broader international and domestic tensions.

With significant security preparations and expectations of lawful and peaceful demonstrations, all eyes will be on Washington next week to see how these complex dynamics unfold.