What's happened
US House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, following a proposal by House Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer signals willingness to support the invitation, emphasizing the strong US-Israel relationship.
Why it matters
The invitation to Netanyahu to address Congress signifies bipartisan support for Israel amidst strained relations. It highlights the importance of US-Israel ties and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, shaping diplomatic discourse and potentially influencing future policy decisions.
What the papers say
House Speaker Johnson expressed his desire to have Netanyahu address Congress, emphasizing bipartisan support. Schumer initially declined a request for a virtual address but later signaled support for a joint session. The proposal underscores differing views within Congress on Netanyahu's role in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
How we got here
Tensions between some Democrats and Israel have escalated during the Israel-Hamas conflict. House Republicans proposed inviting Netanyahu to address Congress as a response to Schumer's criticism. The invitation aims to reaffirm US support for Israel and foster bipartisan dialogue.
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Charles Ellis Schumer is an American and Israeli politician serving as the senior United States Senator from New York, a seat to which he was first elected in 1998. A member of the Democratic Party, he has also been the Senate Minority Leader since 2017.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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James Michael Johnson is an American attorney, politician, and former talk radio host serving as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 4th congressional district.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, which, along with the United States House of Representatives—the lower chamber—constitutes the legislature of the United States.