Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin will address a joint meeting of Congress at 2:00 PM D.C., time on Wednesday.
Before departing Israel PM Netanyahu offered the following statement:
As I departed for the United States, I thanked President Biden for the many things he did for the State of Israel during the war and his years as President, Vice President, and Senator.
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) July 22, 2024
I look forward to my important meeting with the President.
The following are my remarks… pic.twitter.com/9nej0hp2AO
Show more =’s The following are my remarks before boarding the plane:
The video clip is 1 minute 30 seconds long.
I’m leaving this morning on a very important trip to the United States.
At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts and when there’s great political uncertainty in Washington, I will address, for the fourth time, both houses of Congress as the Prime Minister of Israel.
I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel.
And I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next President, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.I plan to see President Biden, whom I’ve known for over 40 years. This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as Senator, as Vice President, and as President.
It will also be an opportunity to discuss with him how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries: Achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israel citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south.
In this time of war and uncertainty, it’s important that Israel’s enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always.
Thank you.
PM Netanyahu’s Remarks before his Departure for a Diplomatic Visit to the United States, where he will address both Houses of Congress. 07/22/2024.
The White House posted the following statement; Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Visit of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House:
President Biden will welcome Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 25 to the White House. The leaders will discuss developments in Gaza and progress towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal and the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, including countering Iran’s threats to Israel and the broader region. Following the leaders’ meeting, they will meet together with the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas. The Vice President will also meet separately with Prime Minister Netanyahu on July 25.
Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Visit of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House. 07/24/2024.
NBC News reported this morning that around 30 democrats will not be attending the speech.
More than two dozen Democrats in the House and the Senate have said they plan to skip it, including Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, of Illinois, and Rep. James Clyburn, of South Carolina. Progressives like Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., a member of the “squad,” and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., are also skipping the speech, as are several Jewish members of Congress, including Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. Those choosing to boycott are outraged at Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.
NBC News. 07/24/2024.
Vice President Harris is also not attending the address. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), “an Orthodox Jew and chairman of the Foreign Relation Committee, will preside over the address, instead.”
Senator and Vice Presidential Nominee for Twice Impeached 45 Felon 34, JD Vance will also not be attending the address.
His vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, will also miss Netanyahu’s speech because “he has duties to fulfill as the Republican nominee for Vice President,” Jason Miller, senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said in a statement.
NBC News. 07/24/2024.
I found another Republican that said they will not be attending the speech either…
Today Congress will undertake political theater on behalf of the State Department.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) July 24, 2024
The purpose of having Netanyahu address Congress is to bolster his political standing in Israel and to quell int’l opposition to his war.
I don’t feel like being a prop so I won’t be attending.
