US congressional leaders have invited the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress in a show of support for West Jerusalem.
On Saturday Netanyahu accepted the invitation to address. He said that he was “excited for the privilege to present in front of the representatives of the American people and the entire world the truth about our just war against those who wish to kill us.”
RT reports: A letter published by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday said the invitation had been extended to “highlight America’s solidarity with Israel.” The date for the speech has not been specified.
The invitation – which was also signed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, along with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries – has reportedly been in the works for some time.
Netanyahu’s planned visit exposed divisions among US lawmakers, particularly within the Democratic caucus, when the idea was put forward in May. Some argue for maintaining a strong Jewish state in the region, while others are critical of Israel’s human rights record.
Schumer added his signature after weeks of delay, despite having strongly criticized Netanyahu in March for his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. He called on Netanyahu to hold new elections, as the current government has been “too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.”
US congressional leaders have invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress, in a show of support for West Jerusalem and despite the political divide over Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
A letter published by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday said the invitation had been extended to “highlight America’s solidarity with Israel.” The date for the speech has not been specified.
The invitation – which was also signed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, along with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries – has reportedly been in the works for some time.
Netanyahu’s planned visit exposed divisions among US lawmakers, particularly within the Democratic caucus, when the idea was put forward in May. Some argue for maintaining a strong Jewish state in the region, while others are critical of Israel’s human rights record.
Schumer added his signature after weeks of delay, despite having strongly criticized Netanyahu in March for his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. He called on Netanyahu to hold new elections, as the current government has been “too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.”
