Netanyahu to address joint session of Congress
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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A spotlight will shine on the divide over the Israel-Hamas war when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the address Thursday night during a speech recognizing Israel’s 76th Independence Day.
Israel’s approach to the war has fractured the Democratic party over the impact on civilian Palestinians.
No date has been set yet, but Netanyahu will appear in the halls of Congress soon and while some Democrats say they are united, some experts would disagree.
“We are going to stand together,” said Johnson.
As the top House Republican Johnson reiterated support for Israel as he says other leaders are backpedaling their support.
“They tell us they support Israel, but they give cover to anti-Semitism. This is no time for equivocation,” Johnson said.
As the number of civilian deaths in Gaza grows and pro-Palestinian protests take over college campuses some Democrats broke ranks and sharply criticized Israel.
“In the House is where you’ll have some progressive Democrats who will absolutely be outraged that this is happening,” said political science professor, Aubrey Jewett.
Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political science professor, says the issue had driven a wedge in the Democratic party.
“it’s been a very difficult spot for President Biden and the democratic party,” Jewett said.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries does not agree.
“It’s nothing but puppies and rainbows on the house democratic side,” said Jeffries.
Jeffries says the only ones to blame are Republicans.
“The Republicans have repeatedly tried to make Israel a political issue and divide Democrats. And they have failed,” Jeffries added.
The U.N. also put pressure on Israel. Its top court ordered Israel to stop any military operation in Rafah over the humanitarian situation there.
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