House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak to Congress soon.
During a speech at the Israeli Embassy celebrating Israel’s independence, Johnson said, “I’m happy to announce that we will soon be hosting Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Capitol for a joint session of Congress.”
He added that this event would show strong support for the Israeli government during a difficult time.
Johnson decided to move forward with the invitation even if Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer didn’t agree. Schumer had until Tuesday to sign a letter inviting Netanyahu.
On Wednesday, Schumer said he would join the invitation because the U.S.-Israel relationship is important regardless of who leads.
In March, Schumer had declined Netanyahu’s request to speak to Senate Democrats. Schumer has been critical of Netanyahu, saying his coalition no longer meets Israel’s needs after October 7 and that Israel needs new leadership.
Johnson’s invitation has upset some Democrats. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut told Punchbowl News, “If he’s going to come here and pick a fight with Democrats, I don’t know that that helps anybody. Netanyahu’s in the business of holding on to political power, not bringing peace.”
Johnson said he is working with Netanyahu to set a date and will send a formal invitation this week. He hopes to bring Netanyahu to Congress before the August break.
