Elon Musk to Attend Netanyahu's Address to US Congress
- Elon Musk attends Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to US Congress.
- Several lawmakers skip the address while Musk is present as a guest.
- Musk's presence adds significance to Netanyahu's historic address.
In a notable political event, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, 2024, but the occasion was marked by the absence of Vice President Kamala Harris and over 30 members of Congress. Many lawmakers chose to boycott the address in protest of Netanyahu's handling of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Notably, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others opted to engage with families of hostages held by Hamas or attend discussions on Middle East peace instead. Elon Musk made a surprise appearance at the Capitol as Netanyahu's guest, coinciding with his announcement that his satellite internet service, Starlink, had been activated in a Gaza hospital with support from Israel and the UAE. Musk's presence drew attention, especially as he has been increasingly vocal about his support for former President Donald Trump, including plans to donate to a pro-Trump super PAC. Musk clarified that while he supports Trump, he does not align himself with the MAGA movement, emphasizing a broader vision for America. During his address, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for his support, highlighting their long-standing relationship. Biden and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at the White House shortly after the address. Meanwhile, critics like Senator Bernie Sanders condemned Netanyahu's policies regarding Gaza and the West Bank, calling for a reevaluation of U.S. support for his government amid the ongoing conflict.