On June 6, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu announced his upcoming address to the US Congress scheduled for July 24, during which he intends to present Israel’s perspective on the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu’s address will be delivered to a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, according to a statement by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Netanyahu expressed deep emotion and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Israel before both Houses of Congress. He emphasized his intention to present what he termed the “truth” about Israel’s conflict with Hamas, framing it as a just war against those who seek to destroy Israel. “I am very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both Houses of Congress and to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world,” Netanyahu said. This visit is set against a backdrop of tension between Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden. While Biden has supported Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, he has recently become more critical of its tactics, leading to a temporary hold on the shipment of certain bombs to Israel. It remains unclear whether Netanyahu will meet with Biden during his visit to Washington.
Biden’s support for Israel has become a contentious issue within US politics, particularly as the November elections approach. Some Democrats and voters have expressed strong disapproval of the civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s military actions in Gaza, seeing it as a political liability for the president. Republicans, on the other hand, have criticized Biden for not doing enough to support Israel, highlighting the deep divisions within the US political landscape over the issue. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who joined in extending the invitation to Netanyahu, acknowledged his disagreements with the Israeli Prime Minister. Despite these differences, Schumer emphasized the enduring and bipartisan nature of the US-Israel relationship. “I have clear and profound disagreements with the prime minister, which I have voiced both privately and publicly and will continue to do so,” Schumer stated. “But because America’s relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends one person or prime minister, I joined the request for him to speak.” The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated significantly following an attack on Israeli territory by Hamas on October 7. This attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, based on Israeli reports. A truce in November led to the release of about half of these hostages.
In response to the attack, Israel launched a major military assault on Gaza, which has resulted in more than 36,000 deaths according to health officials in the territory. Thousands more are feared to be buried under the rubble, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict. Netanyahu’s address to Congress will likely underscore the justifications for Israel’s military actions and seek to reinforce the importance of US support. The speech comes at a critical time, as the international community continues to grapple with the repercussions of the conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s visit and speech are also set against a broader backdrop of international scrutiny and diplomatic maneuvering. The Israeli government’s actions in Gaza have been widely criticized by various international bodies and human rights organizations, which have condemned the high civilian casualty toll and the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza. The US administration has had to balance its traditional support for Israel with increasing calls from within its own ranks and from international partners for a more measured and humanitarian approach to the conflict.
As Netanyahu prepares to address Congress, the focus will be on how he articulates Israel’s position and what impact this will have on US foreign policy and the ongoing peace efforts in the region. The speech is expected to be a significant event, drawing attention from both domestic and international audiences who are closely monitoring the developments in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s upcoming address to the US Congress is poised to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. It will provide a platform for Israel to present its narrative and seek continued support from the United States, amid a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape. The international community will be watching closely to see how this address influences the broader dynamics of the conflict and the prospects for peace in the region.
