Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly address the U.S. Congress on July 24 following an invite from congressional leaders. The decision came amid increasing criticism from the Biden administration against a proposed attack on the Gaza Strip city of Rafah.
The prime minister is set to address both houses of Congress next month. He received an invite from members of the Republican and Democratic Party leadership.
The invite came after significant criticism by Republicans that the White House has not been supportive enough of Israel.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) stated that he would not attend the address and called Netanyahu a “war criminal.”
The prime minister will likely have much to address. Israel has been prepping for a potential attack on Rafah, which remains the terrorist group Hamas’ last major stronghold. Israel has seized much of the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack that killed about 1,200 people.
Netanyahu may also discuss the successful rescue of four hostages last week. The raid in central Gaza rescued four captives held since Oct. 7. An Israeli servicemember was killed in the raid.
The Israel Defense Force conducted a Joint-Rescue Operation alongside Shin Bet and the Israeli Police’s “Yamam” National Counter-Terrorism Unit earlier today within the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the Central Gaza Strip, which resulted in the Rescue of 4 Hostages; 25y/o Noa… pic.twitter.com/sGpmB27Igj
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 8, 2024
The rescue came after Hamas reportedly refused several ceasefire offers after Israel demanded the release of some of the hostages. Hamas and its allies captured more than 200 civilians during the Oct. 7 attack, including several Americans. It is unknown how many are still alive.
Biden sought a ceasefire that would have prevented an attack on Rafah.
The Biden administration held munitions bound for Israel in protest of the current military operations in Gaza. President Joe Biden said that he would hold back further weapons if Israel launches an attack on Rafah.
The president had previously called such an attack a “red line.”
The Biden 2024 campaign is reportedly worried about dropping support for the president in states with small but electorally significant Muslim American minorities, including in Michigan and Minnesota.
Biden also ordered the U.S. Army to construct a pier off of Gaza’s coast to deliver humanitarian aid. However, it broke partially free last week, causing significant damage. Hamas has also called the pier a legitimate target.
