House Speaker Mike Johnson informed lawmakers in a letter Monday that a zero-tolerance policy will be in effect for disruptions during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to both chambers of Congress on Wednesday.

In his letter, the speaker noted that an increased police presence will be inside the House chamber and around the Capitol and urged lawmakers to make sure their guests stay in line.

“All members should kindly inform their guests that any disruption of the proceedings of the House is a violation of the rules and may subject the offenders to prosecution,” wrote Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican. “If any disturbance does occur, the sergeant-at-arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest.”

Mr. Johnson’s letter followed a threat he made last week in front of a pro-Israel crowd at the Republican National Convention that if Democrats get out of line or protest the speech, he would have them arrested.

A substantial number of Democratic lawmakers are expected to boycott the address over issues with Mr. Netanyahu’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, and protests are expected to crop up around the Capitol.

Their main point of contention is over the high death toll of Palestinian civilians. Palestinian authorities estimated that since fighting began after Hamas’ slaughter of Israelis on Oct. 7, nearly 38,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed.

Other Democratic lawmakers believe that Mr. Nentanyahu is purposely prolonging the war and putting up roadblocks that have hindered efforts to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Some 120 are still held by the terrorist organization, eight of whom are Americans.

• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.