US House Speaker plans invite for Israeli PM to address US Congress amid bipartisan tensions
US House Speaker Mike Johnson invites Israeli PM Netanyahu to address Congress as gesture of support from Republicans amid growing Democratic criticism of Netanyahu’s leadership
US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans on Thursday to extend an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, a move seen as a gesture of support from Republicans amid escalating Democratic criticism of Netanyahu’s leadership.
Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the invitation during an interview, stating, “I would love to have him come in and address a joint session of Congress. We’ll certainly extend that invitation.” However, he acknowledged the need to coordinate schedules for the proposed address.
The invitation comes in the wake of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel, citing concerns over Netanyahu’s leadership and its impact on peace efforts in the region amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Schumer’s criticism, delivered on the Senate floor last week, highlighted growing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding U.S.-Israel relations.
Netanyahu’s potential speech before Congress raises concerns about its perceived politicization, particularly in light of the recent conflict with Hamas. Democrats, including Schumer, have previously criticized Netanyahu’s appearances before Congress as partisan, as was the case in 2015 during discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
Despite the tensions, Schumer expressed openness to Netanyahu addressing Congress, stating, “Israel has no stronger ally than the United States, and our relationship transcends any one president or any one prime minister. I will always welcome the opportunity for the prime minister of Israel to speak to Congress in a bipartisan way.”
Johnson, meanwhile, reiterated House Republicans’ support for Israel during a recent conversation with Netanyahu. The Israeli prime minister also addressed Senate Republicans via video, expressing confidence in his leadership and condemning Schumer’s remarks as inappropriate.
The rift over Israel within American politics was further highlighted by former President Donald Trump’s remarks, accusing Jewish Democrats of betraying their religion by supporting the Democratic Party.
Schumer’s criticism of Netanyahu’s leadership has garnered support from some Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Brian Schatz, who praised Schumer for his stance. President Joe Biden has also expressed concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza but stopped short of endorsing Schumer’s call for new Israeli elections.
Source: AP
