Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of the US Congress today, as mass protests are announced outside the Capitol.

Congressional leaders formally invited Netanyahu to speak about nothing less than democracy and combating terrorism, among other issues.

Activists shouting «Let Gaza live!» yesterday staged a sit-in at congressional offices in rejection of the speech by Netanyahu, who has been visiting Washington since Monday.

Capitol Police made several arrests Tuesday among the participants, who wore red T-shirts that read «Not In Our Name».

Organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, dozens of activists took over the rotunda of the Cannon Building, which houses the offices of members of the House of Representatives.

Israel’s prime minister is expected to meet tomorrow with President Joe Biden and will also have a separate meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris, who will not attend his address to the joint session of Congress for scheduling reasons, according to local media reports.

The Harris-Netanyahu bilateral conversation is being closely watched, especially since it will be her first face-to-face meeting with a world leader after heading the Democratic campaign following Biden’s withdrawal from the race for re-election.

To show their dissatisfaction with the presence of Netanyahu, who has a warrant for his arrest by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, dozens of demonstrators also gathered in front of the well-known Watergate Hotel, where he is staying.

In the vicinity of the facility activists held banners with clear messages: «Arrest Netanyahu» and «A war criminal stays here».

Around the site, the Capitol and other parts of the capital, reinforced security measures are evident.

Pro-Palestinian protests have been taking place across the country condemning the genocide of the Palestinian population in the coastal enclave and the Biden administration’s continued military support for Israel.