Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson says

WASHINGTON — Home Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., introduced Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will tackle a joint session of Congress.

It’s unclear when the tackle will happen. Johnson advised reporters Wednesday that he was working with Netanyahu on a date and could be sending the formal invitation this week.

“Tonight, I’m joyful to announce one thing else to you: that we are going to quickly be internet hosting Prime Minister Netanyahu on the Capitol for a joint session of Congress,” Johnson mentioned in a speech marking Israel’s independence, hosted by the Israeli Embassy.

“This can be a well timed and, I believe, a really robust present of assist to the Israeli authorities of their time of biggest want,” he added.

Johnson’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for particulars on the timing. Netanyahu has not but obtained the official invitation, in accordance with Israeli officers.

Johnson had mentioned he would invite Netanyahu to the Home no matter whether or not Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., agreed to a joint invitation. Thursday, nevertheless, was the primary time the plans have been formally introduced.

Schumer’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Thursday night.

Johnson made the announcement in his keynote tackle for the Israeli Embassy occasion, which befell on the Nationwide Constructing Museum. A number of different lawmakers attended this system, and Home Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California additionally spoke.

Johnson mentioned Tuesday that he had given Schumer a deadline to signal a joint letter inviting Netanyahu to a joint session of Congress.

“My workplace advised Senator Schumer’s workplace yesterday that he wanted to signal the joint letter and if not, we have been going to proceed and invite Netanyahu simply to the Home, and I’ll ship particular person invites to senators,” Johnson mentioned Tuesday.

In March, Schumer declined Netanyahu’s request to handle Senate Democrats. Earlier in March, Schumer delivered a fiery speech blasting Netanyahu, saying he had “misplaced his manner” and calling for brand spanking new elections in Israel.

President Joe Biden later praised Schumer’s speech, saying “expressed a severe concern, shared not solely by him however by many People.”

In latest months, Biden has more and more sharpened his criticism of Israel’s dealing with of the struggle. The White Home known as the humanitarian state of affairs in Gaza “unacceptable.” Biden has additionally mentioned that what Netanyahu is “doing is a mistake,” referring to his dealing with of the struggle.