Top Points
Netanyahu's Historic Address and U.S. Visit: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of the U.S. Congress on July 24, his fourth such address, amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas and significant political changes in the U.S., including President Biden's decision to suspend his re-election campaign.
Political Reactions and Security Measures: Netanyahu's visit has sparked protests and boycotts from some U.S. lawmakers, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who criticize his handling of the Gaza conflict. In response, Capitol Police are implementing extra security measures around the Capitol.
Republican Support for Netanyahu: Republican leaders, including House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have strongly supported Netanyahu's visit, emphasizing solidarity with Israel and criticizing Democrats for their perceived lack of support during Israel's critical time.
Full Report:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress on July 24, marking the fourth time he will speak before both houses. Netanyahu's speech comes as Israel fights its longest war to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages taken on October 7.
Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. occurs at a pivotal moment, with significant developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict and a shakeup in the U.S. presidential race. On July 19, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal was close to completion. That same day, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed President Joe Biden's intention to meet with Netanyahu ahead of his congressional address. However, Biden suspended his re-election campaign on July 21 and will now meet with Netanyahu on July 25.
The White House has scheduled a meeting between Biden, Netanyahu, and the families of eight Americans still held by Hamas. Meanwhile, with Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, Harris will be traveling in Indiana and Texas on July 24 and will not attend Netanyahu's address. She plans to meet with Netanyahu later in the week.
Former President Donald Trump, who recently secured the Republican party's endorsement for his presidential bid, announced plans to host Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on July 26. Netanyahu departed Israel on July 22, acknowledging the political uncertainty in Washington and met with representatives of U.S. hostages' families upon his arrival, offering assurances about the potential return of the hostages.
Israeli Leader Faces Protests, Boycotts
Netanyahu's visit is not without opposition. Demonstrators gathered at the Cannon House Office building on July 23 with banners protesting U.S. military aid to Israel. Capitol Police have planned additional security measures, including street closures, for Netanyahu's address.
Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), have criticized Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict and plan to boycott his address. Sanders has even called for the International Criminal Court to prosecute Netanyahu over war crimes allegations.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) expressed support for the U.S.-Israel relationship but criticized Netanyahu's policies and will also skip the address.
Republican Leaders Tout Netanyahu Address
Republican leaders have welcomed Netanyahu's visit. House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) emphasized the party's support for Israel and commitment to recovering hostages. She criticized "far-left" Democrats for turning against Israel.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stressed the importance of U.S.-Israel unity and accused some Democrats, including Vice President Harris, of making political calculations by not attending Netanyahu's address.
Original Story by Ryan Morgan, The Epoch Times.
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