WASHINGTON — It’s been more than seven months since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages. And now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invite to address Congress. The speech will happen June 13, Punchbowl reports.
“There's a ton of support, bipartisan support, for Israel, when it comes to the war right now,” said Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau.
House and Senate leaders invited Netanyahu to speak.to highlight America’s solidarity with Israel. Netanyahu accepted, writing that he’s “excited for the privilege to present … the truth about our just war against those who wish to kill us.”
“This will be a timely, and I think a very strong, show of support to the Israeli government in their time of greatest need,” said Rep. Mike Johnson, R-House Speaker.
Fitzgerald and Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, said lawmakers should be able to question Netanyahu when he visits.
“We provide a lot of money to Israel,” Pocan said. “And if he is not–he, his decisions–are not using that money wisely, we should have that ability to ask those questions as members of Congress. And if they don't do that, then that's a sham.”
“I think it's critical to be able to address some of the concerns that the members of Congress have,” Fitzgerald said separately.
Israel is facing international isolation for its air strikes that have resulted in thousands of civilian deaths in Gaza. Several progressive lawmakers, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, said they will not attend Netanyahu’s speech. Pocan has not decided if he’ll attend.
Though Pocan hopes to question Netanyahu, he doesn’t support the initial invitation to come to Washington. Pocan is critical of Israel’s conduct in the war and supports an immediate ceasefire.
“What I just saw this week–seeing American armaments used in attack on innocent people–and one more ‘whoops’ as an answer from Benjamin Netanyahu, I don't find that acceptable,” Pocan said.
Fitzgerald, who traveled to Israel earlier this year and met with Netanyahu, said civilian casualties are a concern in any war, but, “Israel has to do what they need to do to protect themselves.”
Late last week, President Joe Biden endorsed a proposal for a cease fire and the immediate return of some hostages, leading to the eventual end of the war. But Netanyahu said the fighting will go on until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are destroyed.