Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of the two chambers of US Congress on July 24.
In statement on Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced the address, which will be made at the invitation of Congress.
The statement said, “The bipartisan, bicameral meeting symbolizes the US and Israel’s enduring relationship and will offer Prime Minister Netanyahu the opportunity to share the Israeli government’s vision for defending their democracy, combatting terror, and establishing just and lasting peace in the region.”
In accepting the invitation, Netanyahu was quoted as saying, “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.”
Observers say Congress, where views supporting Israel are strong, hopes to show solidarity with the country.
But they say Netanyahu’s address may invite a possible backlash at a time when civilian casualties continue to rise from the Israeli military’s attacks in the Gaza Strip.