Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will “present the truth” about the war against Hamas in Gaza when he addresses the US Congress. Netanyahu will address the US Congress on July 24 during a visit to Washington.
This will include a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will both be there.
Netanyahu said in a statement. “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.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s visit comes amid tensions between him and President Joe Biden. Biden has supported Israel’s campaign in Gaza. However, he has recently become more critical of its tactics and withheld the shipment of some bombs.
Netanyahu may also meet with Biden during his US visit.
Biden’s support for Israel has emerged as a political liability for the president in the run-up to November’s elections. Some Democrats and voters have been furious over the thousands of civilian deaths in Gaza.
Republicans have also criticised Biden for his position on the war, saying he is not doing enough to help Israel.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a separate statement that he had joined in making the invitation to Netanyahu.
“I have clear and profound disagreements with the prime minister, which I have voiced both privately and publicly and will continue to do so. But because America’s relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends one person or prime minister, I joined the request for him to speak.”
With inputs from Reuters
