Johnson vows 'zero tolerance' for disruption during Netanyahu address

There will be “zero tolerance” for disruptions during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Wednesday remarks to Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday.

In a dear colleague letter, the speaker said there will be additional police resources on the Capitol campus and disturbing Netanyahu’s address “may subject the offenders to prosecution.” Capitol Police and the sergeant at arms will remove any guests causing a disturbance, Johnson added.

Additionally, the speaker called on members to “model respect and proper decorum,” noting “it is our tradition to acknowledge every guest speaker’s right to free expression even if we disagree with their viewpoint.” Officials will demand any lawmaker causing a disruption immediately stop, and “we trust that request will be heeded,” Johnson added.

A stream of protestors is expected to descend on Washington to protest Netanyahu’s remarks over his handling of the conflict in Gaza that’s resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Fencing has gone up around the Capitol Hill complex ahead of the Wednesday address.