Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu to address US Congress on July 24 amid Gaza war
Al Jazeera
Congress’s invitation the latest show of US support for Israel despite global outrage over Israel’s war on Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, setting the stage for what is expected to be a contentious speech at a crucial moment for the continuing Israel-Hamas war.
Congressional leaders confirmed the date of the address late on Thursday after formally inviting Netanyahu to speak before lawmakers last week in the latest show of support for the longtime ally despite mounting political divisions over Israel’s military assault on Gaza.
“The existential challenges we face, including the growing partnership between Iran, Russia, and China, threaten the security, peace, and prosperity of our countries and of free people around the world,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, along with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, said in the letter.
“To build on our enduring relationship and to highlight America’s solidarity with Israel, we invite you to share the Israeli government’s vision for defending democracy, combatting terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.”
Netanyahu’s appearance before an increasingly divided Congress is sure to be controversial and met with plenty of protests both inside the Capitol from lawmakers and outside by pro-Palestinian protesters.
