House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a hardline warning ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled speech to Congress, stating that anyone who disrupts the address will face arrest. Johnson outlined a “zero-tolerance” policy and announced increased security—additional Capitol Police and sergeants-at-arms—to enforce order.
His warning extended even to members of Congress and their guests, emphasizing adherence to House decorum rules. He asked lawmakers to inform their guests ahead of time that any disturbance of House proceedings could prompt removal and prosecution. Several Democratic lawmakers announced plans to boycott the speech entirely, citing political opposition to Netanyahu’s policies and concerns about the optics of the address.
In the run-up to the event, Capitol Police increased security measures and prepared for protests, both inside and outside the Capitol. Johnson’s stance reflects the high tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s visit and the deeper political divisions over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East
