During a significant political event, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced intentions to arrest any congressional officials who attempt to disrupt Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s forthcoming speech to Congress.

Johnson’s bold declaration was made amidst promises of protests and boycotts by several progressive lawmakers and staffers, The Washington Free Beacon reported.

Mike Johnson voiced his controversial plans at a Republican Jewish Coalition event held on the fringes of the Republican National Convention. The event spotlighted the deep political divisions surrounding Israeli-U.S. relations.

The declaration by Johnson was explicit: disruptions during Netanyahu’s scheduled address on July 24 would lead to arrests orchestrated by additional sergeants at arms explicitly stationed for this purpose.

Johnson emphasized that this measure aims to uphold decorum and respect during the diplomatic address, reflecting the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Strong Political Reactions and Planned Protests

The Congressional Progressive Staff Association, representing over 200 staffers, had previously announced their intention to protest the speech. This reflects a growing tension within Congress over foreign policy stances related to Israel.

High-profile progressives like Senator Bernie Sanders have signaled their intention to boycott the event. This follows a historical precedent where 58 members of Congress skipped Netanyahu’s 2015 speech due to similar political disagreements.

Johnson criticized these moves as anti-Israel, framing the Republican Party as the unequivocal pro-Israel faction within American politics.

Reinforcing Party Lines and Criticizing Opposition

Amidst his speech, Johnson claimed the Republican Party as the singular pro-Israel force in America, a statement aimed at solidifying partisan lines concerning foreign aid and policy towards Israel.

Representative Mike Waltz also took a strong stance, denouncing the progressive “Squad” for their criticisms of Israel. Waltz labeled them the “Hamas caucus,” an incendiary term indicating profound disagreements on foreign policy within Congress.

Waltz, a retired Green Beret, further advocated for robust U.S. military support for Israel, aligning with Johnson’s push for increased aid and more stringent measures against perceived anti-Israel sentiments at American universities.

Voices from the Event Reinforce GOP’s Stance

The event also featured speeches from other prominent Republicans and supporters of Israel, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog offered their perspectives, which echoed the overarching theme of unwavering support for Israel.

Matt Brooks, the Executive Director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, addressed the crowd, highlighting a growing support among Jewish voters in swing states, a trend he predicted would continue.

Broad Support and Controversies Within the GOP

Despite Tucker Carlson’s critical remarks about U.S. aid to Israel, which garnered attention at the convention, Brooks was quick to dismiss any potential impact on the GOP’s pro-Israel stance.

Brooks emphasized the broad and enthusiastic support for Israel, as evidenced by the lineup and reception of speakers at the event, aiming to solidify the party’s position amid internal and external critiques.

Overall, the Republican Jewish Coalition event served as a significant platform for the GOP to reaffirm its foreign policy priorities, mainly to Israel.

In conclusion, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s declaration to arrest disruptive lawmakers during Netanyahu’s upcoming address has highlighted the stark partisan divisions in U.S. politics, especially concerning Israel. The move, backed by significant figures within the GOP, underscores a broader strategy to align U.S. policies with Israel amidst growing tensions and differing perspectives within Congress.