Congressional leaders' invite to Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver address at Capitol sparks fury

WASHINGTON, DC: Congressional leaders have invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver an address at the Capitol, a move intended to showcase wartime support for a long-standing ally despite deepening political divisions over Israel's military assault on Gaza.

The invitation was extended by a bipartisan group: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. 

“We invite you to share the Israeli government’s vision for defending democracy, combatting terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region,” the invitation stated. Though the speech's date has not been set, the leaders emphasized their desire to "highlight America’s solidarity with Israel."

Benjamin Netanyahu's visit likely to deepen US political divisions over the Israel-Gaza conflict

However, Netanyahu's potential speech is expected to exacerbate election-year tensions in the US, where an increasing number of Democrats have distanced themselves from the right-wing prime minister, while Republicans have shown strong support.

The schism has intensified as Israel's military campaign in Gaza continues to provoke global condemnation due to the resulting civilian casualties.

House Speaker Johnson first proposed the idea of inviting Netanyahu, calling it “a great honor of mine.” This suggestion came shortly after Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US, sharply criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of having “lost his way” amid the ongoing bombing campaign in Gaza.

Despite this, Schumer accepted the invitation because he believes that "our relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends any one prime minister or president."

Joe Biden urges ceasefire and hostage release in new peace proposal

The Israel-Hamas war, now in its seventh month following the October 7 attack by Hamas, has heightened concerns worldwide about Israel's military strategy and the high civilian death toll.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has accused Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas leaders of war crimes — an accusation that, while largely symbolic, further isolates the Israeli leader.

President Joe Biden has supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas but has criticized the ICC's charges against Netanyahu. Nonetheless, he has pressed Israel for assurances of humanitarian aid.

He has recently endorsed a three-phase deal proposed by Israel to Hamas militants, aimed at releasing the remaining hostages in Gaza and potentially ending the war.

Biden called on Israelis and Hamas to agree on releasing the remaining hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire, asserting that Hamas is “no longer capable” of launching another large-scale attack on Israel like the one in October.

The US President called this proposal “a road map to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages,” reported ABC.

International shifts and congressional protocol

Internationally, notable shifts have occurred as Spain, Norway, and Ireland recently acknowledged a Palestinian state, actions condemned by Israel. Additionally, Slovenia's government endorsed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state, awaiting parliamentary approval.

Typically, high-profile congressional invitations are extended in consultation with the White House.

However, Netanyahu's last address to Congress in 2015, arranged by a previous Republican speaker, was a notable exception. It was made in defiance of then-President Barack Obama during disputes over Iran.

On Capitol Hill, debates over the Israel-Hamas war have been particularly heated and divisive, reflecting a shift in the once-uniform support for Israel. This division has been mirrored in protests on college campuses and broader public discourse.

Republicans, including presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, have used the opportunity to express their support for Netanyahu and highlight Democratic divisions over Israel.

Recently, Rep Elise Stefanik (R-NY) became the highest-ranking US Republican to deliver a speech before the Israeli parliament, further cementing GOP support for Netanyahu.

Moreover, it remains unclear if Biden and Netanyahu will meet in Washington during the prime minister’s visit.

Outrage among netizens over Benjamin Netanyahu's congressional address invitation

A user commented on Facebook, "Welcome to the United States of Israel."

Another added, "Hope the warrant is issued before then."

A user said, "Might as well invite Putin, there's hardly any difference."

Another user claimed, "Bipartisan support for a war criminal. All of them wreak of AIPAC blood money."

"Every leader is a war criminal. Why select just one. Hamas guilty of war crimes. Zelenski. Putin. The whole range of gangsters," read a tweet. [sic]

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