Article Summary –
The top four leaders of the U.S. House and Senate have invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress, expressing solidarity with Israel in its conflict with Hamas. This invitation comes amid increased debate over U.S. support for Israel due to its conduct in the war against Hamas in Gaza. In response to the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes, U.S. officials came to Netanyahu’s defense, while House lawmakers are working on legislation involving sanctions against the court.
Top US Leaders Invite Israeli Prime Minister to Address Congress Amid Gaza Conflict
The leading figures of the House and Senate have invited Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver a speech to Congress, amidst the ongoing Gaza war. Despite the political split over Israel’s position, the leaders announced solidarity with Israel’s struggle against terror, specifically against Hamas, which endangers regional stability and detains US and Israeli citizens.
The invitation was extended with a vision to fortify the long-standing relationship between the US and Israel, allowing Netanyahu to share Israel’s plan for defending democracy, combating terror, and establishing lasting peace in the region. However, the invitation did not specify a date for this appearance.
US Support for Israel Amid Gaza War
The invitation comes at a time when the US’s support for Israel, a traditional ally, has become a topic of heated debate due to the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. Some Democrats are urging President Biden to reconsider or cut off military aid to Israel due to its alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in the death of about 35,000 Palestinians, with many now facing starvation, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health.
While acknowledging the divided opinions on the war, President Biden expressed empathy for the Palestinians, saying they “have endured sheer hell in this war.” The President also stated that Israel has accomplished one of its main objectives of the war, namely the incapacitation of Hamas to carry out attacks similar to those of October 7, which left more than 1,200 people dead and led Israel to launch the war in the Gaza Strip.
Support and Criticism for Netanyahu
The US and Israeli relations remain “ironclad and transcend any one prime minister or president,” as per the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, despite his previous criticism of Netanyahu as a “major obstacle to peace.” The US officials defended Netanyahu when the International Criminal Court sought arrest warrants against him and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Some US politicians have welcomed the ICC’s move. For instance, Sen. Bernie Sanders mentioned on the Senate floor, “Democratically elected officials can commit war crimes,” and said the ICC “is doing its job.” The House is currently working on legislation that would impose sanctions on the ICC.
Several Democrats have opposed Netanyahu addressing Congress. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, stated that it wasn’t constructive for Netanyahu to address Congress during this time. However, Rep. Pete Aguilar of California said that if Netanyahu is invited to speak to Congress, they would respect that.
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