In response to the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C., a wave of demonstrations and protests have engulfed the nation's capital. While some protests have condemned Israel, others have expressed support for the nation while urging Netanyahu to secure a cease-fire deal and bring home the hostages still held by Hamas.

Netanyahu's visit includes meetings with President Joe Biden and a much-anticipated speech before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. However, the prime minister's presence has not been without controversy.

On Monday, dozens of protesters gathered outside Netanyahu's hotel, raising their voices in opposition to his policies. The following day, hundreds of demonstrators organized by Jewish Voice for Peace staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses the offices of House of Representatives members.

Wearing red T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Not In Our Name," the protesters captured the building's rotunda, sitting on the floor and brandishing signs that read "Let Gaza Live!" A lively chant of the same phrase filled the air as the protesters clapped and cheered.

U.S. Capitol Police intervened after approximately half an hour, issuing several warnings before arresting the protesters one-by-one, binding their hands with zip ties. The exact number of people arrested has yet to be tallied, with both the police and Jewish Voice for Peace claiming different figures. According to JVP, approximately 400 people, including over a dozen rabbis, were arrested during the protest.

The demonstrators aimed much of their frustration at the Biden administration, demanding an immediate cessation of all arms shipments to Israel. They questioned how President Biden could call for a cease-fire while simultaneously supplying Israel with weapons.

While some lawmakers empathized with the protesters' sentiments, others were taken aback by their actions. Representative Dan Kildee, D-Michigan, whose office was targeted by the demonstrators, expressed confusion, noting that he had already voted against a substantial military aid package to Israel earlier this year.

Meanwhile, on the National Mall, families of the remaining hostages held a separate protest vigil. Clad in yellow shirts that read "Seal the Deal NOW!," around 150 people chanted "Bring Them Home" and shared emotional testimonials from relatives and former hostages. Their demand was clear: that Netanyahu reach an agreement with Hamas and secure the safe return of the approximately 120 Israeli hostages still in Gaza.

While the demonstrators applauded when Biden's name was mentioned, they criticized Netanyahu's perceived lack of urgency in reaching a cease-fire deal that would ensure the release of all the hostages.

As tensions persist and protests continue to draw attention, the stage is set for Netanyahu's address before Congress tomorrow, where he will face both support and opposition to his policies.