PM Netanyahu speaks at a joint session of Congress in 2015

House Speaker Mike Johnson Invites Netanyahu To Address Joint Congress

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The Judean Staff
International

In a dramatic and highly charged announcement during a Presidential Election year, Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will once again address a joint session of Congress, a move certain to escalate already simmering tensions between the Israeli leader and Democrat President Joe Biden. Johnson made this revelation during a keynote speech at the Israeli embassy's annual Independence Day reception, a night already thick with political significance. The Israeli Prime Minister first spoke to a joint session of Congress in 1996. His second appearance came in 2011, and he was invited back by Republican lawmakers a few years later in 2015. This invitation will make Netanyahu the most invited head of state with 4 appearances, and Israel the most invited nation to speak with ten appearances since the State's formation in 1948.

Johnson, a vocal critic of Biden’s policy towards Israel, declared that this address would serve as a powerful demonstration of unwavering support for Israel in what he described as their "time of greatest need." This bold move comes amidst growing discontent among progressive Democrats over Israel's aggressive military campaign in Gaza and Biden’s support for it. Netanyahu, known for his close alignment with Republicans, finds himself at odds with Biden, particularly over the U.S. administration’s push for Israel to take greater measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The event, which was intended to be a bipartisan celebration of Israel's independence, instead underscored the deepening rift in U.S. politics. Democratic Representative Pete Aguilar, sharing the stage with Johnson, reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel's sovereignty, but the shadow of the Gaza war loomed large over the proceedings. Aguilar’s remarks, while supportive, contrasted sharply with the exuberant announcement from Johnson.

Addressing the attendees first, Johnson received resounding applause as he proclaimed, "Tonight I'm happy to announce ... we will soon be hosting Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Capitol for a joint session of Congress." Such addresses are rare honors, usually reserved for the closest U.S. allies, and Netanyahu’s upcoming speech is poised to be a significant political event. Johnson's announcement was met with vocal criticism and protests by radical left organizations who support Hamas and Iran. One such group was Codepink, an organization founded to protect women's rights that has resorted to unhinged tactics like stalking House members in congress to capture them on video while they were being harrassed.

In previous years, high-level U.S. officials have graced the embassy's Independence Day receptions. Last year, Vice President Kamala Harris, who has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and labeled the situation a "humanitarian catastrophe," delivered the keynote speech. This year, however, the reception occurred simultaneously with a White House state dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto, creating a scheduling conflict that prevented top Biden administration officials from attending. Nevertheless, several senior aides, including Derek Chollet from the State Department, were present.

Johnson and Aguilar also took the opportunity to condemn the International Criminal Court's recent decision to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defense chief, Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leaders responsible for the deadly October 7 attack on Israel, which ignited the current conflict. Johnson subtly criticized Biden, alluding to "some leaders" who have attempted to withhold critical weapons from Israel, a veiled reference to Biden’s conditional pauses on certain military shipments pending Israel's actions in Gaza.

Security around the National Building Museum, where the reception was held, was tight, reflecting the heightened emotions and political stakes. Outside, a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters voiced their dissent, with one demonstrator wielding an Israeli flag stained red to simulate blood, accusing Israel of committing war crimes.

Johnson's announcement follows his ultimatum to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to sign a letter inviting Netanyahu, threatening otherwise to limit the invitation to the House of Representatives. Schumer, despite previously criticizing Netanyahu and calling for new elections in Israel, appeared open to the joint session, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of U.S.-Israel relations.

As Netanyahu prepares for what will be his fourth address to Congress, the political climate is charged with anticipation and tension. His last address in 2015, which controversially bypassed then-President Obama’s approval, saw significant Democratic boycotts—a scenario that might repeat this time.

The Israeli embassy’s reception, traditionally a celebratory affair, was rebranded this year as a "solidarity event" in light of the ongoing conflict. Israel is engaged in a fierce battle against Hamas militants, following the devastating October 7 attack which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 253 hostages. In stark contrast, Palestinian authorities report over 35,000 casualties in Gaza, painting a grim picture of the conflict’s toll.

As the U.S. gears up for a pivotal election, with Biden running against former President Trump, the issue of Israel continues to be a deeply divisive one, with Johnson's bold announcement adding yet another layer to the complex political landscape.

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