Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress in July

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress during a visit to Washington, D.C. in July. In a statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, D-Ky., said Netanyahu will “present the truth” about Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. 

The invitation was extended by the top leaders of the House and Senate.

“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,” Johnson, Chuck Schumer, D-NY., McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., 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.”

Initially, there was confusion over the date, but it was clarified that the address would be on July 24, avoiding the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

The visit comes as tension grows between Netanyahu and the Biden administration. While the White House continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself, it has been critical of their army’s operations and the number of reported civilian causalities. 

Some Democrats, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, N.Y., have expressed opposition and plan to boycott the speech.

“I am very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both houses of Congress and to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world,” Netanyahu said in a statement.