Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to Israel this week. The delegation includes nine House members who will meet with Israeli leaders to discuss updates on the war in Gaza and the humanitarian situation there. They will also talk about efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Hoyer expressed his commitment to strengthening the US-Israel relationship during his visit.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address Congress on July 24, amid strained relations with President Joe Biden over Israel’s war plans and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. While Congress passed a bill providing aid to both Ukraine and Israel, Democrats are divided on Israel’s handling of the conflict with Hamas. It remains unclear whether Netanyahu will meet with Biden during his visit, as he has not publicly endorsed Biden’s peace proposal, and the US has expressed frustration with some of Israel’s war tactics.
CNN has reported that many Democratic lawmakers are considering boycotting Netanyahu’s speech, with some already publicly stating their intentions not to attend. Rep. Ro Khanna of California stated that he would be willing to listen to Netanyahu if the speech was focused on ending the war and releasing hostages, but he is not interested in a one-way lecture. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Jim Clyburn have also announced that they will not attend the address.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has previously called for new elections in Israel and has disagreements with Netanyahu, defended his decision to sign the letter inviting the Israeli leader to speak. Schumer emphasized the importance of the US relationship with Israel, stating that it transcends any one person or prime minister. Despite the disagreements, Schumer believes it is important for Netanyahu to address Congress.
The visit by Hoyer and the congressional delegation to Israel comes at a critical time, as tensions between the US, Israel, and Palestine continue to escalate. Efforts are being made to address the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, but disagreements persist on how best to achieve peace in the region. The decision by some Democratic lawmakers to boycott Netanyahu’s speech highlights the deep divisions within the party on the issue of Israel and its handling of the conflict with Hamas.
Ultimately, the US-Israel relationship remains a key focus for policymakers on both sides of the aisle, even as disagreements and debates continue on how best to support Israel while addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The upcoming address by Netanyahu to Congress will be an important opportunity for lawmakers to hear directly from the Israeli leader and engage in discussions on the path to peace in the region.
