US House Speaker confirms Israel’s Netanyahu to address Congress ‘soon’: Will this move infuriate Democrats?

House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Thursday that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will “soon” address a joint session of Congress. Days after the Israeli PM vowed that they will continue to fight against Hamas even without US aid, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Thursday that Benjamin Netanyahu will “soon” address a joint session of Congress. Speaking at the Israeli Embassy’s annual Independence Day celebration in Washington, Johnson said: “This will be a timely and very strong show of support to the Israeli government in their time of greatest need.” While the House Speaker did not give specific details like where the address will take place, he informed the reporters that US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had assured that he would approve the invitation. This development comes after Schumer criticised Netanyahu as a barrier to peace and urged for early elections in Israel to replace him. Will Johnson’s move upset Democrats? Johnson’s decision would undoubtedly annoy some Democrats, particularly when the US is pushing Israel to do more to safeguard Palestinian civilians amidst war on Gaza. Back in 2015, 60 Democrats boycotted Netanyahu’s joint session address, which was arranged by Republican congressional leaders when Barack Obama was president. Reacting to the idea of inviting Netanyahu, former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said “No”, as per Axios. Meanwhile, other Democratic party sources termed Netanyahu’s expected speech to Congress as “grave mistake”, stating that “It would increase polarisation and highlight the disagreement between Democrats and Republicans over the conduct of Netanyahu and Israel.” A considerably bigger number of Democrats may again boycott a Netanyahu address that comes amid the Israel-Hamas war and straining ties between Biden and Israeli PM. Earlier this month, Biden issued a stern warning to Israel about withholding arms if it launched an extensive offensive in Rafah.