Republican US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would soon address a joint meeting of Congress, demonstrating support for Israel during a time of conflict. This move is likely to further divide progressive Democrats who are critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and President Joe Biden’s support for Netanyahu, who has aligned himself closely with Republicans. The tension between Biden and Netanyahu has been heightened over disagreements regarding the protection of Palestinian civilians during the war against Hamas in Gaza.
At the Israeli embassy’s Independence Day reception, Johnson emphasized the commitment of Americans to Israel’s sovereignty and announced Netanyahu’s upcoming address at Congress. While previous US administrations have usually sent high-level officials to these receptions, this year was a bipartisan event to honor lawmakers for their approval of US military aid to Israel. Vice President Kamala Harris, who has previously expressed concerns about the situation in Gaza, delivered last year’s keynote, underscoring US support for Israel.
During the reception, Johnson and Democratic US Representative Pete Aguilar condemned the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others, as well as Hamas leaders responsible for attacks on Israel that fueled the Gaza war. Johnson took a veiled swipe at Biden for hesitating to send vital weapons to Israel, but the flow of weapons has mostly continued. Security was tight at the event, with pro-Palestinian protesters shouting accusations of war crimes at Israeli guests and displaying an Israeli flag stained red to simulate blood.
The invitation for Netanyahu’s address came after Johnson’s ultimatum to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who expressed openness to Netanyahu speaking at Congress despite having criticized him in the past. Netanyahu has given three speeches to Congress, most recently in 2015, when Republican leaders invited him without consulting then-President Barack Obama. The politicization of Israeli policy has intensified in the lead-up to the November election, with Johnson balancing the dynamics within the Republican House majority.
The reception marking Israel’s 76th anniversary was a solidarity event in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israeli tallies report casualties and hostages resulting from Hamas attacks on Israel, while the Palestinian authorities claim a higher death toll during Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu’s upcoming address is expected to be met with both support and opposition, given the political divide over Israeli policy in Congress and American public opinion. The deepening tensions between Biden and Netanyahu add complexity to the relationship between the US and Israel in the midst of the conflict in Gaza.
