Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated on Wednesday that he is thinking about inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to Congress as tensions rise between Democrats and the Israeli leader, showing how political division is seeping into the Gaza war.
A source familiar with the situation mentioned that various options, including a joint session of Congress, are being considered for Netanyahu to address lawmakers. The possibility was raised during the House GOP’s closed-door conference meeting on Wednesday morning, according to the source.
No plans have been finalized yet.
Johnson told reporters that inviting Netanyahu to speak to Congress is something they are considering. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating support and solidarity for Israel during this challenging time, and expressed their commitment to advancing that position in every possible way.
Johnson brought up the idea of a Netanyahu speech in Congress less than a week after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), a long-time supporter of Israel, criticized Netanyahu in a speech, warning that his leadership could lead to a loss of further U.S. support for Israel. Schumer also called for new elections in Israel.
Republicans have criticized Schumer's remarks, labeling them as unprecedented and incorrect. Netanyahu is scheduled to address Senate Republicans via video during their weekly lunch on Wednesday.
While Congress has a longstanding tradition of bipartisan support for Israel, left-leaning lawmakers are increasingly critical of Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza war, which has resulted in over 30,000 casualties in the territory.
Schumer strongly supported Israel's right to defend itself following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that claimed 1,200 lives in Israel, and notably did not call for a permanent cease-fire in his Senate address, a demand made by some liberals.
However, the Democratic leader was highly critical of Netanyahu's actions.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history, stated that Netanyahu has 'deviated from the right path,' citing the political and legal challenges surrounding the prime minister. He argued that Netanyahu's approach to the war has caused Israel to lose international support and risked further damage.
Netanyahu told CNN's 'State of the Union' on Sunday that Schumer's comments were 'completely inappropriate.'
Johnson mentioned that he spoke with Netanyahu on Wednesday morning.
“This morning, I had a thorough discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I reiterated to him the strong support of House Republicans for Israel and their ongoing efforts there, and I expressed my strong disagreement with Leader Schumer regarding his statements from last week,” he informed reporters during a press conference.
“We believe it is not only unwise, but also dangerous for him to try suggesting how Israel should manage its domestic affairs amidst their conflict,” he further added about Schumer's remarks. “So, you'll see House Republicans continue to step up and reaffirm our support for Israel during this critical time.”
Johnson also talked about former President Trump’s remark earlier this week that any Jewish person who votes for Democrats “hates their religion” and “hate[s] everything about Israel,” which have received criticism from Democrats and some Republicans.
When asked for his opinion on those comments, Johnson indicated that Trump was addressing the increasing opposition of Democrats to the Israeli government and the humanitarian deaths in Gaza.
“I don’t speak for President Trump, but I understand the sentiment that he’s trying to express,” Johnson said.
He also mentioned the two votes to send aid to Israel, which many Democrats opposed. In October, most Democrats voted against a $14.3 billion Israel aid package, expressing opposition to cuts to the IRS and the lack of Ukraine aid. It ultimately passed the House but did not move in the Senate.
In February, Democrats voted in large numbers against a stand-alone Israel aid bill, aligning with their counterparts in the Senate who were considering a broader foreign aid bill that included aid for Ukraine. The bill failed on the floor, falling short of the two-thirds vote needed since leadership brought it up under the fast-track suspension of the rules process.
“I think people interpret that, you know, for what it is; the facts speak for themselves. I think you see the House Republicans and the Republican Party at large — and President Trump, for that matter — standing strong with Israel, and you see increasingly, an increasingly large number of Democrats and a big faction of the Democratic Party who are standing against Israel openly,” Johnson said.
“They’re saying the quiet parts out loud, and to us that’s alarming. I think it’s shameful, and I think that’s what President Trump’s referring to,” he added. “And you know, his language is his language, but I think that’s a sentiment that most of the American people understand, and that’s how they interpreted.”
