Alon Gat, brother of remaining hostage Carmel Gat and husband of released hostage Yarden Roman Gat, stands up during Netanyahu’s speech to call for a hostage deal.Five family members of Israeli hostages were reportedly arrested during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech before Congress after about a dozen of them walked out in protest.
The family members wore bright yellow shirts under their jackets that read "Seal the deal NOW," which they had unveiled for the protest.
We are demanding a hostage deal even in America. Do not let Netanyahu silence us. pic.twitter.com/y9gKoJaM74
— We Are All Hostages (@AllHostages) July 24, 2024
The arrests were first reported by Jerusalem-based reporter Noga Tarnopolsky, who initially said three relatives were arrested — but soon updated the figure to five. 💥 While Netanyahu expounds, congressional police arrested *three family members of Israeli hostages who wore t-shirts reading "Seal The Deal NOW." pic.twitter.com/ZJfHL3PFia 💥Five family members of Israeli hostages were arrested by Capitol Police https://t.co/HZP5TFuYvr
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي (@NTarnopolsky) July 24, 2024
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي (@NTarnopolsky) July 24, 2024
The walk out occurred as Netanyahu was vowing to bring their relatives home. Carmit’s brother & father were murdered by Hamas. Her mother is a hostage in Gaza. She’s being arrested for asking for deal to bring her Mom home & end horror that her family & too many other Israeli & Palestinian families have endured for 292 days. Today is a very shameful day https://t.co/rLT0oy2ZNF
— John Lyndon (@JohnLyndon_) July 24, 2024
“The pain these families have endured is beyond words. I met with them again yesterday and I promised them this. I will not rest until all their loved ones are home. All of them,” Netanyahu claimed as the relatives began to walk out. “As we speak. We’re actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release, and I’m confident that these efforts can succeed. Some of them are taking place right now.”
Times of Israel reporter Jacob Magid reported, "Several relatives of the hostages being held in Gaza have walked out of Netanyahu's address to Congress." Several relatives of the hostages being held in Gaza have walked out of Netanyahu's address to Congress.
The PM goes on to pledge not to rest until the hostages are home, leading the vast majority in the room to stand and applaud save for roughly a dozen or so hostage families
— Jacob Magid (@JacobMagid) July 24, 2024
Magid continued, "The PM goes on to pledge not to rest until the hostages are home, leading the vast majority in the room to stand and applaud save for roughly a dozen or so hostage families."
House Speaker Mike Johnson had vowed on Tuesday to arrest anyone, including lawmakers, for any disturbances during Netanyahu's speech.
“Due to the attention garnered by the prime minister’s address, there will be an increased police presence around the Capitol complex and in the House Chamber,” the House speaker wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “In the interest of all involved, we will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for disturbances in the building.”
“If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest,” he continued.
