House Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to invite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to address a joint session of Congress has sparked controversy and debate among American politicians. The invitation comes at a time when Netanyahu has been a divisive figure in American politics, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, made the announcement following a heated exchange between Netanyahu and Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader. Netanyahu had criticized Schumer for his remarks on the Israeli leader’s role in hindering peace efforts and called for elections to replace him. Despite this tension, Johnson expressed his eagerness to extend the invitation to Netanyahu, stating that he would also be speaking in front of the Israeli Knesset.
Schumer initially declined a request for Netanyahu to speak virtually to Senate Democrats, citing concerns about discussing sensitive issues in a partisan setting. However, Schumer later expressed his support for Netanyahu addressing Congress in a bipartisan manner, emphasizing the strong relationship between the United States and Israel.
The decision to invite Netanyahu has reignited past controversies, such as the Israeli leader’s 2015 address to Congress condemning the Iran nuclear deal. The move has highlighted the growing partisan divide over Netanyahu’s leadership and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
As discussions continue between Johnson and Schumer regarding the invitation, the potential address by Netanyahu to Congress remains a topic of intense debate and scrutiny among American lawmakers.
