Thousands Rally in Washington, D.C., Demanding Arrest of Netanyahu During Trump Meeting

Mass Protests Erupt in Washington, D.C., as Netanyahu Meets President Trump at the White House

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., to oppose Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to meet President Donald Trump at the White House. As the first foreign leader to meet Trump during his second term, Netanyahu faced widespread condemnation for Israel’s actions over the past 15 months, including the recent “unimaginable genocide” in Gaza. and the currant Ongoing raids and killings in the West Bank that have further fueled global outrage.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes linked to these atrocities. Protesters demanded accountability, chanting slogans and holding signs calling for his immediate arrest.

Anti-Zionist Jews in Protests, Reject Netanyahu’s Claims to Represent Judaism

Anti-Zionist Jewish groups attended the demonstrations, starting with gathering in front of the White House early in the afternoon, and at the Blair House where Netanyahu was staying during his visit. Addressing the media, they emphasized that Netanyahu does not represent the Jewish people or the Jewish religion.

Rabbi Yitzchok Deutsch spoke outside Blair House. According to the Anadolu Agency, Rabbi Deutsch called it “ridiculous” for Netanyahu—a man accused of committing heinous crimes—to claim he represents Judaism.

“This is totally false,” Rabbi Deutsch stated. “We are standing here after 15 months of a terrible, unimaginable genocide, broadcast live on TV and social media. Netanyahu is using religion to justify all these crimes.”

Rabbi Deutsch urged President Trump to reconsider his support for Zionism, which he described as a brutal occupation spanning over 76 years. “If you want to be the president of peace in the world, you should stop this movement of Zionism and end this brutal occupation,” he said.

Protests Continue as Details of New Gaza Plan Emerge

Later in the afternoon, as Netanyahu met with President Trump inside the White House, news broke about the controversial new plan for Gaza. The proposal drew immediate backlash from activists and global observers who declared it unacceptable. Thousands regrouped at Lafayette Park on H Street, included Anti Zionist Jews Rabbi Dovid Feldman addressed the media.

Speaking to Hispan TV, Rabbi Feldman asserted that Netanyahu represents “a group of criminals, not the Jewish people as a whole.” He highlighted longstanding Jewish opposition even in Palestine to serving in the Zionist army and stressed that supporting Israel does not equate to supporting the Jewish people.

“We are pleading with President Trump to rethink these plans and stop supporting this rebellion against God,” Rabbi Feldman added.

March for Palestinian Rights and Commitment to Justice

As the protests intensified, demonstrators marched through the streets of Washington, D.C., voicing their solidarity with the Palestinian people. Chanting slogans and carrying banners, they vowed not to remain silent in the face of injustice.

The day’s events underscored a growing movement of Jewish and non-Jewish voices united in their call for accountability, peace, and justice. Protesters pledged to continue their efforts until the rights of Palestinians are recognized and respected.