Senator Cory Booker joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington this week for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompting backlash as photos emerged of smiling senators alongside a leader wanted for alleged war crimes.
The meeting, held Wednesday, included approximately one-eighth of the U.S. Senate and was attended by party leaders Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator John Thune (R-SD). The group posed for photos with Netanyahu and publicly shared highlights from the discussion, which included topics related to Gaza and U.S.-Israel policy toward Iran.
Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey, who is currently campaigning for higher office, was not present at the meeting.
Critics noted the contrast between the celebratory tone of the photo op and the international legal proceedings against Netanyahu. The International Criminal Court is reviewing a request for an arrest warrant over Israel’s conduct in Gaza during its ongoing military campaign.
“Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted as a war criminal,” Senator Bernie Sanders said in a public statement. “His government is systematically killing and starving the people of Gaza. He will be remembered as one of the monsters of modern history.”
Despite the controversy, lawmakers in attendance have not commented on the criticism surrounding the meeting or the photos.