Dave Matthews spoke to Al Jazeera as he joined thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters in Washington, D.C., on July 24, and said he was “disgusted” by Congress’s support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Matthews added that he was “ashamed” that US tax dollars were being used to help Israel “brutally treat an entire people” in Gaza. The protest took place outside the US Capitol, where Netanyahu was welcomed and addressed Congress the same day.
“I think it's terrible when most of the world looks at this man and what he's doing in Gaza and what he's overseeing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. [and] We welcome [him] “We will go to the so-called hallowed halls of our government,” Matthews told the news agency.
“This has been an ongoing struggle of people who just want to have dignity and be able to live an independent life and dream of a better future,” he continued. “And this man is the ultimate obstacle to that freedom that we have.” [him] “Visiting the country is an outrage, a disgusting display of support for someone who does not deserve our support.”
“I'm ashamed that my tax dollars are going to torture an entire people. It's shameful. I'm also ashamed that our government is welcoming him here,” Matthews concluded.
As the Associated Press reported, Netanyahu used his speech to Congress to pledge “total victory” over Hamas, and said Americans who oppose the war in Gaza are “fools.” He added: “America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, one thing really happens: We win and they lose.”
Watch Matthews' full interview with Al Jazeera in the video above.
