Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is poised to address the US Congress on July 24 amidst a fraught backdrop of international scrutiny and diplomatic strains. Netanyahu’s speech is expected to delve into Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, a situation that has led to heightened tensions with the Biden administration over the conduct of the war and its humanitarian impact. President Joe Biden has publicly opposed a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah and has even threatened to halt some arms deliveries to Israel if his warnings are not heeded, sparking criticism from various US political figures. The visit, which follows months of tension, represents a critical juncture in US-Israel relations, with Netanyahu expected to present his narrative of the war and defend Israel’s military actions. The address to Congress, extended by both Republican and Democratic leaders, is seen as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations, despite disagreements over the Gaza conflict. However, the invitation has not been without controversy; some Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have announced boycotts to protest Israel’s tactics in Gaza. Netanyahu’s visit also coincides with Israel’s diplomatic isolation due to the high number of civilian casualties in the ongoing eight-month war. As Netanyahu prepares to ‘present the truth’ about the war against Hamas, the international community and the US Congress will be closely watching, with the potential for significant implications for the future of the Middle East peace process and the US-Israel strategic alliance.
Key points
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the US Congress on July 24, against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict and strained US-Israel relations.
- President Joe Biden has opposed a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah and threatened to cut off arms deliveries to Israel, causing political rifts within the US.
- Some US lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, plan to boycott Netanyahu’s speech in protest of Israel’s military tactics in Gaza.
- Netanyahu’s visit comes as Israel faces international pressure and diplomatic isolation due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
