Bipartisan Group of Congress Members to Jet off to Israel Prior to Netanyahu's Speech in Congress
Nine House representatives will engage in discussions with Israeli leaders, focusing on the latest developments in the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the related humanitarian crisis. The congregation will further deliberate on the ongoing attempts to establish a temporary ceasefire and the release of captives held by Hamas in Gaza.
Stacey Platt, in a press statement, expressed his excitement about reinforcing the significant US-Israel bond during his inaugural visit to Israel since the tragic events of October 7. He assured that the delegation, in addition to their journey, will persist in upholding the robust, longstanding bipartisan agreement in Congress to stand by Israel, their ally.
Netanyahu's speech on July 24 unfolds at a turbulent juncture, as his rapport with President Joe Biden has frayed over Israel's military moves and initiatives to ameliorate the suffering in Gaza. Despite Congress having passed a bill offering aid to Ukraine and Israel in April, Democrats remain split on Israel's approach to its conflict with Hamas.
It remains uncertain whether the Prime Minister's upcoming trip to Washington will encompass a White House meeting. Netanyahu has yet to publicly endorse Biden's peace proposal, and the U.S. has expressed exasperation with some of Israel's war strategies, as they believe these tactics fall short in providing adequate protections for civilians.
CNN has spoken to numerous Democratic lawmakers who have contemplated boycotting Netanyahu's speech, with several already declaring their intention to stay away. In 2015, when tensions between Netanyahu and then-President Obama peaked, approximately 60 Democrats across both chambers declined to attend a speech by the Israeli Prime Minister before the joint session of Congress.
California Representative Ro Khanna voiced, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” his willingness to participate in talks aimed at ending the war and rescuing hostages. However, he emphasized his disinterest in sitting through a one-sided discourse. He joins Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Jim Clyburn, who have similarly declared their refusal to attend Netanyahu's address.
New York Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who earlier this year called for new elections in Israel, acknowledged in a statement that he holds profound differences with Netanyahu, but he justified his decision to sign the letter inviting the Israeli leader.
“Given the indestructible bond between America and Israel that surpasses one person or prime minister, I joined the invitation for him to speak,” Schumer stated earlier this month.
CNN’s Haley Talbot contributed to this report.
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The bipartisan group, led by Representative Stacey Platt, is committed to maintaining the robust US-Israel alliance during their visit. Following the trip, Platt assured that the group will continue to uphold the bipartisan agreement in Congress, supporting Israel as an ally.
