According to top US legislators, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak at a joint meeting of the United States Congress on July 24.
A week after Netanyahu was officially asked to speak before US politicians, the date was confirmed late on Thursday, demonstrating ongoing support for Israel despite increasing political disagreements about the military actions in Gaza.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, as well as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated in the letter that the increasing alliance between Iran, Russia, and China poses a danger to the security, peace, and prosperity of our nations and of free individuals globally.
To strengthen our long-lasting bond and demonstrate America’s support for Israel, we ask for your input on the Israeli government’s plans to protect democracy, fight terrorism, and achieve lasting peace in the region.
Netanyahu’s upcoming speech in front of a Congress that is becoming more divided is expected to stir controversy and encounter numerous protests from members of Congress as well as pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Capitol.
Schumer, the most senior Jewish politician in the US, criticized Netanyahu harshly in March but stated on Thursday that he has significant differences with the Israeli leader.
Despite this, he agreed to the request for him to speak as the US-Israel relationship is strong and goes beyond any individual leader.
Other Democratic lawmakers who are more critical of Netanyahu’s strategy are anticipated to be absent for the speech. Senator Bernie Sanders, who is independent from Vermont, stated that Netanyahu is a criminal of war. I will definitely not be present.
Frayed US-Israel relations
Netanyahu’s trip to the Capitol coincides with his deteriorating relationship with President Joe Biden.
Biden has both privately and publicly expressed his criticism of Netanyahu’s management of the conflict and has shown dissatisfaction with the Israeli government for not permitting increased humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza.
Towards the end of last week, Biden presented a plan aimed at achieving a long-lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden announced a plan involving three phases to free Israelis captured in the region and numerous Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
The proposal includes a plan to start rebuilding Gaza in the third phase, with the bodies of deceased captives to be given back to their families.
Israel proposed the initiative that Biden said signals a change in the US administration’s stance, as it previously only supported a temporary ceasefire while backing Israel’s aim of eradicating Hamas.
Even though Biden mentioned that Israel had accepted the proposal, he acknowledged that certain Israelis, including some in Netanyahu’s coalition government, might object to it and advocate for the war to persist.
“They’ve been very explicit about their intentions: They desire to take control of Gaza.” They desire to continue battling for many years. Their priority does not lie with the hostages. Biden said he encourages the leadership in Israel to support this deal regardless of any pressure.
