WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday he will invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress as the war in Gaza rages.
“I would love to have him come in and address a joint session of Congress,” Johnson said on CNBC’s Squawk Box. “We’ll certainly extend that invitation.”
The speaker added, “We’re just trying to work out schedules on all this.”
In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would welcome Netanyahu to speak before Congress.
“Israel has no stronger ally than the United States and our relationship transcends any one president or any one Prime Minister,” Schumer said. “I will always welcome the opportunity for the Prime Minister of Israel to speak to Congress in a bipartisan way.”
As of Thursday morning, Johnson had not discussed the plans with Schumer, a spokesperson for the Democratic leader told NewsNation. An invitation to address a joint session of Congress would need to be signed off by Schumer.
Johnson spoke one-on-one with Netanyahu earlier this week, saying he reiterated the need to show solidarity and support for Israel.
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 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.