WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — House Speaker Mike Johnson is considering inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Capitol Hill for a join address to Congress in the near future.
Johnson spoke one-on-one with Netanyahu earlier this week, saying he reiterated the need to show solidarity and support for Israel.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that a possible cease-fire could be closer to a deal. The plan would likely involve a six-week cease-fire and the release of some, if not all, Israeli hostages. The release will likely be in return for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Whether either side would accept those terms remains unknown, but there does appear to be at least some progress with cease-fire talks.
Congress has failed to pass any major legislation that would provide Israel’s military with aid. Democrats raised concerns about Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict and the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
However, Republicans still point the finger at Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after he called for new elections in Israel and accusing Netanyahu of losing his way.
“It’s dangerous for him to be trying to suggest how Israel should run its domestic affairs in the midst of their conflict. So you’ll see the House Republicans continue to stand forward and reiterate our support for Israel at this very critical time,” Johnson said.
Schumer responded, saying, “I care deeply about Israel and its longtime future. When you make the issue partisan, you hurt the cause of helping Israel.”
Over the coming days, the White House plans to welcome a team of senior military and intelligence officers from Israel.
Netanyahu has called for a ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza, saying it remains impossible to defeat Hamas without doing so.
But President Joe Biden’s team has raised a lot of concerns with Rafah currently home to over a million displaced Palestinians and serving as a crucial entry route for humanitarian assistance.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s team also says he plans to meet with his Israeli counterpart at the Pentagon sometime next week.
