Eighty-six Democratic representatives and senators have announced their intention to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech in Congress, according to CNN.
Additionally, members of pro-Palestinian and Jewish organizations have begun gathering outside the Capitol to protest Netanyahu's address. Roads in the Capitol area have been blocked off, and police presence has been increased, with hundreds of officers deployed from New York to Washington.
Netanyahu's speech in Congress is scheduled for 9:00 PM Israeli time.
CNN also reported that barricades have been set up near the White House, where Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Joe Biden on Thursday.
The day before, Capitol police arrested over 200 protesters who occupied the main hall of the Capitol building in opposition to Netanyahu's anticipated speech.
According to two Jewish organizations behind the protest, "Jewish Voice for Peace" and "IfNotNow," the detainees included rabbis, descendants of Holocaust survivors, students, Israelis, and Americans.
Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee contacted Capitol police after protesters tried to break into his office. He and his staff were forced to lock themselves in.
