Protests over Netanyahu's DC visit continue, causing several road closures

Protests continue outside White House while Netanyahu meets Biden and Harris

It was a day of diplomacy and dissent in our nation's capital as American and Israeli leaders met inside the White House while protests continued nearby. FOX 5's Josh Rosenthal reports from in front of the White House with the latest details.

WASHINGTON - More protests broke out in Washington D.C. Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Joe Biden at the White House.

It caused several road closures in the District and around Capitol Hill but authorities said the crowd dispersed around 6 p.m.

D.C. Police traffic has released several updates as demonstrators continue to move throughout the area.

The group began marching southbound on 15th from H Street, NW, around 2 p.m.

Protesters vandalize statues, fountain outside DC’s Union Station after Netanyahu’s speech

The road closures shifted for hours along with the protesters, so authorities asked drivers to be aware of the fluid situation in the area.

D.C. Traffic Police posted continuous updates on the social media platform X. Here is the latest:

FINAL: The First Amendment Participants have dispersed and All Street Closures near/surrounding the White House/Lafayette Square Park are now accessible to vehicular traffic.

Netanyahu visited the White House one day after his address after he addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday where he defended Israel and pledged victory over Hamas.

Union Station cleanup: National Park Service removes anti-Israel graffiti left by protesters

The National Park Service says they're about 90% done cleaning the defaced statues and fountain in Columbus Circle in front of Union Station after thousands of pro-Palestine protesters vandalized the area.

During his address, Netanyahu slammed protesters who massed near the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, calling them Iran’s "useful idiots."

Netanyahu's visit comes amid calls for a cease-fire to end the war and free the remaining hostages. Following their midday talk, Biden and Netanyahu will meet the families of American hostages.