The proposal to give the floor to the Israeli prime minister sparked controversy when it was first floated in May
US congressional leaders have invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress in a show of support for West Jerusalem amid the political divide over Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
A letter published by House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday said the invitation was extended to “highlight America’s solidarity with Israel.” The date for the speech has not been specified.
The invitation – which was also signed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, along with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries – has been in the works for some time.
Netanyahu’s planned visit exposed divisions among lawmakers, particularly within the Democratic caucus, when the idea was put forward in May. Some argue for maintaining a strong Jewish state in the region, while others are critical of Israel’s human rights record.
Schumer added his signature after weeks of delay, despite having strongly criticized Netanyahu in March for his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. He called on Netanyahu to hold new elections, as the current government has been “too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.”
The Israel-Hamas war, now in its seventh month after the October 7 surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group, has caused concerns in the US and abroad over Netanyahu’s military strategy. The Gaza health authorities claim the operation has killed more than 36,000 in the Palestinian enclave. In May, the International Criminal Court accused Netanyahu and his defense minister, along with three Hamas leaders, of war crimes.
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