Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a speech to a joint session of the US Congress on July 24, in what is expected to be a controversial meeting at a crucial time for the current war between Israel and Hamas.
The legislative leadership confirmed the date of the speech on Thursday night after last week Netanyahu was formally invited to give a speech. It is the latest show of wartime support for a longtime American ally despite growing political divisions over Israel’s military offensive in 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,” the House speaker said in the letter. of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer, along with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“To strengthen our long-standing relationship and highlight America’s solidarity with Israel, we invite you to share the Israeli government’s vision to defend democracy, combat terrorism, and establish a just and lasting peace in the region,” they added.
Netanyahu’s presence in front of an increasingly divided Congress is sure to be controversial and will be met with a large number of protests, inside the Capitol by lawmakers and outside by pro-Palestinian protesters. Additionally, he will exhibit the growing divisions among Democrats in an election year around the prime minister’s insistence on war against Hamas.
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