Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) issued a statement ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress: 

“As someone who cares deeply about Israel’s future, and after listening to the family members of American hostages held captive by Hamas, I’ve made the decision not to attend Prime Minister Netanyahu’s joint address. 

“It is imperative to agree to a ceasefire, release the hostages, and negotiate a future that promises peace and stability for Israelis and Palestinians. Prime Minister Netanyahu must no longer stand in the way of a ceasefire and an agreement for Hamas to return the hostages. Strong leadership is needed to pressure Hamas to accept this ceasefire and commit to the peace process.

“I urge Prime Minister Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire deal that has been brokered by President Biden to bring the hostages home and end the horrific suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians.”