Democrats pledge to boycott Netanyahus address to Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Sunday evening for his controversial address to Congress, which will be boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers including two from New York.

Scandal-scarred Manhattan Rep. Charles Rangel and Queens Rep. Gregory Meeks are among 34 Democrats who have pledged to join President Obama in giving Netanyahu the cold shoulder over a speech arranged by Republican House Speaker John Boehner.

Others who wont be present for the Tuesday remarks include at least two Jewish House Democrats, Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky and Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee.

Cohen has said he didnt want to serve as a potted plant for the Israeli PM, who faces a tough re-election battle on March 17.

Democratic Rep. Alan Lowenthal of California who was still on the fence last week said Sunday he had decided to attend, after seeking advice from his Jewish colleagues.

Sen. Chuck Schumer also announced hed be in the audience thats expected to hear Netanyahu warn against a nuke deal with Iran and urge new sanctions.

While I didnt like the way Speaker Boehner handled the invitation, the relationship between America and Israel transcends that, Schumer said.

Outspoken Israel supporter and New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) blasted Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton for not taking a position on Netanyahus visit.

Hikind said he was baffled by Clintons silence, noting: Were talking about the former secretary of state, a former New York state senator and a presumed presidential candidate.

Clinton reps didnt return a request for comment.

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Democrats pledge to boycott Netanyahus address to Congress

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