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(February 4, 2025 / 7News) Demonstrators are taking to the streets of the nation’s capital Tuesday afternoon as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Two opposing rallies are expected to draw dozens, with pro-Israel groups gathering in support of Netanyahu’s visit and anti-Israel protesters condemning his meeting with Trump.
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Betar, and other Jewish and pro-Israel groups plan to rally outside the White House at noon. ZOA leaders said they support Trump’s recent executive order, “Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism,” which aims to address antisemitic violence, particularly on college campuses.
In a statement, ZOA National President Morton A. Klein and Director of Research & Special Projects Liz Berney, Esq. praised Trump's move, calling it a “much-needed directive” to hold federal agencies accountable in fighting antisemitism.
Meanwhile, a separate demonstration led by Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), CODEPINK, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) is set to take place at Lafayette Park along H and 16th Street, also at noon.
In a press release, the coalition denounced Netanyahu’s D.C. visit, accusing the U.S. of legitimizing a leader facing an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.
"If President Trump chooses to align fully with Netanyahu’s policies, he risks undermining prospects for peace by legitimizing actions that are violations of international law," the group stated.
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington comes with Trump back in office and as the prime minister faces mounting pressure at home — both from right wing allies urging him to end a temporary truce with Hamas and from Israelis seeking the return of hostages.
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