In a bipartisan act of solidarity, Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Schumer, Republican Leader McConnell, and Democratic Leader Jeffries sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, inviting him to address a Joint Meeting of Congress.
Last year, Congress hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Washington to celebrate 75 years of friendship and partnership between the US and Israel.
“The existential challenges we face, including the growing partnership between Iran, Russia, and China, threaten the security, peace, and prosperity of our countries and of free people around the world,” the letter reads. “To build on our enduring relationship and to highlight America’s solidarity with Israel, 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 coincides with President Biden unveiling a three-phase ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The proposal, which has garnered positive attention, includes the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza. Biden stated that the first phase of Israel’s offer would last for six weeks and would include a “full and complete” ceasefire. Israeli forces would withdraw from “all populated areas” of Gaza and would include release of hostages, women and elderly. The second phase would see a realize of remaining hostages. In the third phase, “a major reconstruction plan for Gaza” would be implemented according to Biden.
Read the full text of the letter inviting Israeli PM Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a Joint Meeting of Congress below.
[(https://thepavlovictoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Joint-Meeting-Invitation-Prime-Minister-Netanyahu.pdf)
