War criminal Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed the U.S. Congress on a number of occasions, where he has many friends and accomplices
Washington, June 7 (RHC)-- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24th, setting the stage for what is expected to be a contentious speech at a crucial moment for the continuing Israeli war of aggression against Gaza.
Congressional leaders confirmed the date of the address after formally inviting Netanyahu to speak before lawmakers last week in the latest show of support for the longtime ally despite mounting political divisions over Israel’s military assault on Gaza.
“The existential challenges we face, including the growing partnership between Iran, Russia, and China, threaten the security, peace, and prosperity of our countries and of free people around the world,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, along with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, said in the letter.
“To build on our enduring relationship and to highlight America’s solidarity with Israel, we invite you to share the Israeli government’s vision for defending democracy, combatting terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.”
Netanyahu’s appearance before an increasingly divided Congress is sure to be controversial and met with plenty of protests both inside the Capitol from lawmakers and outside by pro-Palestinian protesters.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US – who delivered a stinging rebuke of Netanyahu in March – said in a separate statement on Thursday night that he has “clear and profound disagreements” with the Israeli leader but joined in the request for him to speak “because America’s relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends one person or prime minister.”
Other Democratic lawmakers more critical of Netanyahu’s strategy are expected to be no-shows for the address. Senator Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont, said: “Netanyahu is a war criminal. I certainly will not attend.”
