Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson said Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will soon address a joint meeting of Congress, amid heightened tensions with President Joe Biden over the management by the Israeli leader of the war in Gaza.
Delivering a speech at the Israeli embassy’s annual Independence Day reception, Johnson, the top Republican in Congress and a critic of the Democratic president’s Israel policies, said it would be “a strong demonstration of support for the Israeli government when it needs it most.” »
Such a speech is sure to anger progressive Democrats who criticize the Israeli military campaign in Gaza and Biden’s support for that campaign. Netanyahu has aligned himself closely with the Republicans.
The diplomatic meeting in Washington comes amid tensions between Biden and Netanyahu over U.S. pressure for Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians in the war against Hamas militants in Gaza.
The embassy gave equal grade to Democratic U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, who shared the high-profile podium with Johnson in a more low-key event, in the shadow of the war in Gaza.
“As Americans, we reaffirm our commitment to the sovereignty of Israel,” he said.
Speaking first, Johnson said to applause: “Tonight, I am pleased to announce… that we will soon welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu to the Capitol for a joint session of Congress. »
Successive U.S. administrations have typically sent a senior official to Independence Day receptions.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who in recent months has called the situation in Gaza a “humanitarian catastrophe” and called for a ceasefire, delivered last year’s keynote speech, primarily touting U.S. support for Israel.
An Israeli official said that this year the embassy wanted to honor lawmakers in a bipartisan way in gratitude for Congress’ approval of several billion dollars in new U.S. military aid.
The reception took place the same evening as a state dinner at the White House for Kenyan President William Ruto, which the Israeli official said created an agenda conflict for cabinet members.
Several less experienced Biden aides were present, including Derek Chollet, an adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The White House declined to comment when asked whether it had been consulted about Netanyahu’s invitation or whether Biden, who denied an Oval Office meeting with the Israeli leader, might see him in Washington.
JOHNSON’S VEILED PEEK AT BIDEN
Both Johnson and Aguilar condemned the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s decision this week to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defense chief, Yoav Gallant.
The prosecutor also requested arrest warrants for Hamas leaders responsible for the deadly October 7 cross-border attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.
Johnson took a veiled jab at Biden, saying “some leaders” have sought to strip Israel of “vital weapons.”
Biden suspended one bomb delivery and warned he could delay others if Netanyahu carried out an all-out ground offensive in the refugee-populated town of Rafah in southern Gaza. But the flow of weapons has largely continued.
Security was tight around the National Building Museum where the reception took place. A small group of pro-Palestinian protesters shouted “shame on you” at guests leaving the event.
One person held an Israeli flag stained red to simulate blood. Another, through a megaphone, accused Israel of war crimes.
On Tuesday, Johnson said he was set to invite Netanyahu, a right-wing leader who had warm relations with former President Donald Trump.
Johnson, a Trump ally, had issued an ultimatum to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to sign a letter inviting Netanyahu or he would only speak in the House of Representatives.
Schumer had indicated he was open to Congress welcoming Netanyahu, although he said in March that the Israeli leader had “lost his way” and called for new elections in Israel.
Johnson did not specify a date for Netanyahu’s speech.
Speeches in Congress are a rare honor, usually reserved for the United States’ closest allies.
Netanyahu has already given three speeches, the last in 2015.
That year, Republican leaders invited him without consulting then-Democratic President Barack Obama, as Netanyahu joined them in an unsuccessful attempt to derail Obama’s international nuclear deal with Iran.
Dozens of Democrats boycotted Netanyahu’s latest speech, suggesting some may stay away this time.
Johnson, who is struggling to keep his Republican majority in the House of Representatives intact, has been an important voice in the U.S. political divide over Israeli policy.
The politicization of the issue has intensified in the run-up to the November election in which Biden is running against Trump.
Unlike gala celebrations in previous years, this year’s reception, marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of Israel, was billed as a “solidarity event.”
Israel is fighting to eliminate Hamas militants who attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, according to Israeli counts.
Palestinian authorities say more than 35,000 people have been killed during Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
New York Post
