WASHINGTON, D.C. — A planned address to Congress next month by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is highlighting divisions in the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Qatar on Wednesday, where he reiterated the Biden administration’s support for Israel.

“President Biden is resolutely committed to Israel’s security and to its defense,” Blinken told reporters.

It’s a different story on Capitol Hill, where some Democrats have sharply criticized Israel’s tactics in its war with Hamas and particularly Netanyahu’s previous statements opposing a Palestinian state.

“I think that we have to move toward a two state solution,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio. “I believe that has to be negotiated with all the countries in the region through the United Nations. I don’t see much proceeding on that road very quickly, but I do think that’s what has to be done.”

Kaptur has long been critical of Netanyahu. She was among 58 Democrats who boycotted his last address to Congress in 2015 over his criticism of former President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal.

Kaptur said she was not sure whether she would attend Netanyahu’s July 24 speech before a joint meeting of Congress, adding that she had been disappointed by past interactions with the Israeli prime minister.

“I said, ‘Mr. President, when do we get peace?’ He said, ‘It is coming.’ He answered me in three words,” Kaptur said. “Now, that was already several years ago.”

Several other Ohio Democrats, though, said they would attend.

“For those of us who take this very seriously and, and are engaged in a very serious way, having a relationship with all of those involved is critically important,” said Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio. “Hearing from the prime minister is going to be important, and pushing back and leaning on the prime minister in terms of what we want to see happen is also very important.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, also planned to attend and said he supported an agreement that ends the fighting.

“People need to come together and come up with this plan,” Brown said. “It’s in the best interest of everybody. And I’m hopeful that they come together and come up with a long-term peace plan.”

Some Republicans seized on the division between Democrats to suggest members of the party, including Biden, don’t fully support Israel.

“I think that President Biden has been doing a horrific job while working with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” said Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio. “He doesn’t know where he wants to go with his ideology and policy on Israel.”

Republicans largely continue to back Netanyahu’s policies.  

“I will definitely attend,” said Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio. “Israel has every right to defend itself. I think it’s a great opportunity to have him come and speak before us.”

Netanyahu’s visit is still more than a month away, so a lot could change before then, especially if Israel and Hamas are able to reach a ceasefire deal.