House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will “soon” address a joint session of Congress. This announcement came just days after Netanyahu pledged to continue fighting Hamas even without US aid.
According to sources, Netanyahu has been in discussions with Republican Congressional leaders about this potential address, as reported by The Times of Israel. Speaking at the Israeli Embassy’s annual Independence Day celebration in Washington, Johnson emphasized, “This will be a timely and very strong show of support to the Israeli government in their time of greatest need.”
While Johnson did not specify the exact details of the address, he mentioned that US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has assured approval of the invitation. This development is notable, given Schumer’s previous criticism of Netanyahu, whom he described as an obstacle to peace, and his call for early elections in Israel to replace him.
Will Johnson’s Move Upset Democrats?
Johnson’s decision is likely to upset some Democrats, especially as the US is urging Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In 2015, 60 Democrats boycotted Netanyahu’s joint session address, which was arranged by Republican leaders during Barack Obama’s presidency. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has already reacted negatively to the idea of inviting Netanyahu, saying “No” to Axios.
Other Democratic sources have called Netanyahu’s expected speech to Congress a “grave mistake,” warning that it would increase polarization and highlight the disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over Netanyahu’s conduct and Israel’s actions. Given the current Israel-Hamas war and strained relations between President Biden and Netanyahu, a significant number of Democrats may again boycott the address. Earlier this month, Biden warned Israel about withholding arms if it launched an extensive offensive in Rafah.
What’s the Intention Behind Netanyahu’s Address?
Netanyahu has been in communication with Republican Congressional leaders recently about a possible joint session address. This session is seen as an opportunity to strengthen Israel’s position on the global stage. If Netanyahu accepts the proposal, he would become the first world leader to address joint sessions of Congress four times.
Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Pete Aguilar reiterated the US commitment to protecting Israel’s sovereignty. Both Johnson and Aguilar have opposed the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s move to pursue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defense chief over Israel’s actions against Hamas, which began after a Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israeli civilians.
Johnson also subtly criticized President Biden, suggesting that “some leaders” have tried to block “vital weapons” from reaching Israel, despite the general maintenance of arms supplies.
