Israel’s Netanyahu to defend war on Gaza in front of US Congress on July 24

WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, setting the stage for what is expected to be a contentious speech at a crucial moment for the continuing Israel-Gaza war, Al Jazeera reported on Friday.

Congressional leaders confirmed the date of the address late on Thursday after formally inviting Netanyahu to speak before lawmakers last week in the latest show of support for the longtime ally despite mounting political divisions over Israel’s military assault on Gaza.

UK Labour party pledges Palestinian state recognition

Netanyahu’s appearance before an increasingly divided Congress is sure to be controversial and met with plenty of protests both inside the Capitol from lawmakers and outside by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Democrat, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US – who delivered a stinging rebuke of Netanyahu in March – said in a statement on Thursday night that he has “clear and profound disagreements” with the Israeli leader but joined in the request for him to speak “because America’s relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends one person or prime minister”.

Other Democratic lawmakers more critical of Netanyahu’s strategy are expected to be no-shows for the address. Senator Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont, said: “Netanyahu is a war criminal. I certainly will not attend.”

Press activists, US condemn assault on reporters at Jerusalem Day march

Netanyahu’s visit to the Capitol also comes as his relationship with President Joe Biden has become increasingly frayed.

Biden has privately and publicly criticised Netanyahu’s handling of the war and shown his disapproval of the Israeli government for not allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Late last week, Biden also outlined a proposal that he said would lead to an “enduring” ceasefire in Gaza.

While Biden said Israel had agreed to the plan, he noted that some Israelis – including members of Netanyahu’s coalition government – were likely to disagree with the proposal and call for the war to continue.

Biden’s Gaza plan ‘not a good deal’ but Israel accepts it: Netanyahu aide

“They’ve made it clear: They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years. The hostages are not a priority for them. Well, I urge the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal despite whatever pressure comes,” Biden said.