Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson has given Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer a deadline to join an invitation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress. Johnson said Schumer has until Tuesday to sign onto the invitation, or else the House will proceed with sending its invitation alone. If Schumer does not sign, Netanyahu would only address the House, but senators would still be invited to attend.
Johnson gives Schumer deadline to join invitation for Netanyahu to address Congress https://t.co/6ns9wf6EXw
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) May 21, 2024
The timeline for Netanyahu’s speech has not been decided yet, but if he accepts the invitation, it would be his first speech to Congress since 2015. Some Democrats have criticized Israel’s actions in the past, and there could be more backlash if Netanyahu addresses Congress. However, Schumer has expressed support for having Netanyahu speak to Congress in a joint meeting.
On the same day as Johnson’s ultimatum to Schumer, the International Criminal Court requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, as well as Hamas officials. This move has drawn criticism from congressional leaders, but some progressive lawmakers like Sen. Bernie Sanders have approved of the arrest warrants. Schumer has also been critical of Netanyahu, calling for new Israeli elections to replace him as leader.
It is important to support strong relationships with allies like Israel and to defend their right to self-defense. It is concerning when political leaders criticize Israel, especially during times of conflict. Netanyahu addressing Congress would provide an opportunity to strengthen ties between the United States and Israel, highlighting the importance of standing together against terrorism.
