The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver his fourth speech to Congress on July 24th amid rising tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a rare example of bipartisanship, Republicans and Democrats extended the invitation to the prime minister.
Israel’s voices see this as a positive affirmation of the relationship between Israel and America.
Netanyahu was invited by the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate, House and Senate to speak at a joint session again of Congress, a privilege reserved for America’s closest allies.
However, criticism was quick to erupt. Some leftists have expressed their disdain for the invitation. Bernie Sanders is one of them.
Chuck Schumer is one of the four people who signed the invitation. He has publicly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, but he agrees with the fact that Israel’s ties are more important than the opinions of any politician.
“I have a clear and profound difference of opinion with the Prime Minister. I have expressed this both publicly and privately, and I will continue to do so.” Schumer stated that because the relationship between America and Israel is unbreakable, it transcends any prime minister or person.
Schumer’s invitation letter was signed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell and fellow Democrat House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffreys.
Three times, in 1996 and 2011, the prime minister addressed Congress. In 2015, his speech was controversial because he used it to criticize Obama’s nuclear agreement with Iran. Others viewed this as impolite and inappropriate for a guest to interfere with U.S. policies, while others saw it as the prime minister’s obligation to express concern about a deal which could also affect Israel’s security. Many are still waiting to hear what Netanyahu says in July. The speech is still controversial today.
The invitation to the Prime Minister is a gesture that encourages those who wish to strengthen the alliance between the two countries. The timing is unquestionably controversial. One the one hand, it is the best time to show our support for our allies. This will be something that the Republicans want to demonstrate so close to an election. We should also be prepared for the inevitable protests from the left. Like a tantruming toddler whose parents are unable to control them, our weak liberal leaders will be embarrassed.
The prime minister will not be surprised by criticism on U.S. territory. It is either a sign of great courage or obstinacy for Netanyahu to accept this invitation when tensions are high and divisions could become even more polarized. The prime minister is expected to be direct. This is not who he has been. Now, we must prepare for the inevitable.
We would have invited a controversial person during such a high-tension time, which proves Schumer’s claim that the relationship between Israel & the U.S. was ironclad. It could be compared to brothers. They may disagree or fight but they always stick together. This analogy may be too romantic for others, but it is true that Israel is our only ally. Our two countries’ futures will remain intertwined for generations to come, even after this terrible season. A visit by Israel’s Prime Minister is always welcome in light of this. Bernie and those on the extreme left can remain at home.