Several Democratic lawmakers have announced their intent to boycott the speech, citing what they say are ongoing human rights abuses and war crimes by the Israeli military (IDF) in Gaza.

Additionally, this week 230 anonymous staff members have signed a letter urging a Congressional protest or boycott. According to The Hill, this includes staff from Republican congressional offices as well... "across 122 Democratic and Republican offices," it says. The letter was organized by the Congressional Progressive Staff Association.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has put the body on notice, threatening to arrest anyone who is protesting or displaying unruly behavior. 

"There are a number of Democrats in the House who have said they're going to boycott that event. Some others may protest," Johnsons told an audience of the Republican Jewish Coalition on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee earlier this week.

"We're going to have extra sergeants at arms on the floor. If anybody gets out of hand… We're going to arrest people if we have to do it," he added.

As for the Congressional Progressive Staff Association's letter, it reads as follows: 

"Citizens, students, and lawmakers across the country and the world have spoken out against the actions of Mr. Netanyahu in his War on Gaza," the letter says.

"Israelis have been protesting in the streets for months, decrying his failure to negotiate a ceasefire and release of hostages. We hope you will join your fellow Members of Congress in protest at his speech or in refusing to attend it."

There are some 100 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the House and Senate, and the majority or even all of them are expected to boycott or possibly protest the speech. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the country's largest Muslim civil rights organization, have called on Congressional security officers to refuse Johnson's directive.