Is Netanyahu going to address Congress?
Netanyahu has a history of engaging directly with Congress, particularly during times of contention or disagreement with the U.S. administration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is contemplating inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, following discussions among House members during a closed-door conference meeting. Johnson emphasized the importance of demonstrating solidarity and support for Israel during its current challenges, indicating a potential effort to arrange Netanyahu's address as part of this stance. Additionally, Johnson mentioned having spoken with Netanyahu on Wednesday morning.
“I had a lengthy conversation this morning with Prime Minister Netanyahu and reiterated to him the House Republicans’ strong support for Israel,” he told reporters.
A joint session invitation for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress appears unlikely due to potential opposition from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer, who recently criticized Netanyahu and called for new elections in Israel, would need to provide buy-in for such an invitation, which currently seems improbable.
Indeed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a history of engaging directly with Congress, bypassing the traditional channels of communication with the U.S. administration. This approach allows him to directly address American lawmakers and shape the narrative regarding Israeli interests, particularly during times of contention or disagreement with the U.S. administration.
In 2015 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went before a joint session of Congress and harshly criticized the deal the Obama Administration was crafting to deal with Iran's nuclear program.
