The invitation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress on July 24 was supported by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), despite his disagreements with the Prime Minister. Schumer emphasized the importance of the strong relationship between America and Israel, which goes beyond personal differences.
Schumer’s decision to invite Netanyahu came after he criticized the Prime Minister’s handling of the Israel–Hamas war and called for new elections in Israel. He reiterated his focus on progress towards a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also announced Netanyahu’s upcoming address, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The invitation to Mr. Netanyahu was a joint effort by Schumer, Johnson, McConnell, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), showing solidarity with Israel in its fight against terror. This invitation comes amid disagreements between Netanyahu and President Biden over the war and Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
President Biden’s decision to halt the shipment of certain bombs to Israel further underscored the tensions surrounding the conflict. Some members of Congress, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), expressed reluctance to attend the speech.
Despite the controversy, lawmakers like Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Speaker Johnson expressed their support for Israel and anticipation for Netanyahu’s address. This upcoming speech will mark Netanyahu’s fourth address to Congress, breaking a record previously held by Winston Churchill.
Notably, last year Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed Congress, but the speech was boycotted by 58 Democrats. The upcoming address by Netanyahu is expected to address issues of democracy, combating terror, and establishing lasting peace in the region.
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