WASHINGTON (JTA) — U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson Invites Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Address Congress
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before a joint session of Congress. This invitation comes at a critical time for Netanyahu, who is facing the threat of an international arrest warrant and is experiencing low popularity both domestically and internationally.
The invitation was extended during an Israel Independence Day celebration hosted by the Israeli embassy in Washington. This gesture follows recent statements by the International Criminal Court prosecutor indicating the intention to seek Netanyahu’s arrest for alleged crimes related to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has been vocal in his criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S.-Israel relationship in recent months. The Speaker announced, “We will soon be hosting Prime Minister Netanyahu at a joint session of Congress.”
Senate Democratic majority leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who is Jewish, also reportedly gave his approval for the invitation. Schumer had previously called for new elections in Israel due to what he deemed as Netanyahu’s failures during and after the conflict with Hamas. Negotiations between Johnson and Schumer were ongoing, with Johnson indicating that Schumer had agreed to join him in issuing the invitation.
Netanyahu’s upcoming speech is expected to stir controversy in Washington, already tense due to the upcoming presidential election and heightened pro-Palestinian protests across the country. In his fourth address to Congress, Netanyahu will face a Democratic caucus divided on their support for Israel and critical of his government’s handling of the conflict with Hamas.
Recent tensions between the U.S. and Israel, with Biden suspending arms deliveries over concerns about Israel’s military actions, have further strained the relationship. Both Democrats and Republicans are actively seeking Jewish and pro-Israel votes, leading to increased rhetoric and accusations of antisemitism between the parties.
Internationally, Netanyahu has faced criticism for the high casualties in Gaza following Israel’s response to Hamas attacks. In Israel, protests calling for new elections have intensified, with Netanyahu’s approval ratings plummeting. The Prime Minister has also faced allegations from the army regarding prior warnings about impending attacks from Hamas, which he has denied.
At the event where the invitation was extended, California Rep. Pete Aguilar emphasized bipartisan support for Israel’s security. Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog highlighted the strong relationship between the U.S. and Israel, particularly noting the recent joint efforts in repelling an Iranian missile attack on Israel.
The event, held at the National Building Museum, drew attention to the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza and the impact of the conflict on Israeli communities. Pro-Palestinian protesters outside the venue voiced their dissent, while attendees paid tribute to the victims and displayed solidarity with those affected by the conflict.