Mike Johnson, the US Speaker of the House, plans to extend an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before Congress, amidst strained relations between Israeli leadership and key US Democrats. Johnson, a Republican, mentioned ongoing efforts to align schedules for the address during an interview with CNBC.
The announcement occurs against a backdrop of increased tensions, highlighted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s public call for Israeli electoral change. Schumer, criticizing Netanyahu’s approach to the Gaza conflict and suggesting his removal for the sake of peace negotiations, advocates for new leadership in Israel. Johnson rebuked Schumer’s remarks as inappropriate interference in Israel’s democratic process.
Despite this, Schumer’s office clarified he welcomes Netanyahu’s address to Congress, emphasizing the enduring alliance between the US and Israel. This invitation by Johnson follows Netanyahu’s private discussion with Senate Republicans, a meeting Schumer opted out of, advocating for a bipartisan approach to such addresses.
Netanyahu’s potential visit to Congress is set against legislative challenges for an Israeli aid bill in the US and Israel’s military preparations in Gaza. Amidst these developments, President Joe Biden, who is advocating for restraint in Gaza’s conflict, has invited an Israeli delegation to Washington for talks. This invitation reflects ongoing US efforts to influence the course of action in Gaza amidst significant civilian casualties and international scrutiny of the conflict’s toll.
