After His Criticism, Schumer Poised To Invite Netanyahu To Address Congress

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is set to join House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in extending an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to address Congress, despite recent disagreements between Schumer and Netanyahu, The Hill reports.

Johnson disclosed to The Hill that he forwarded a preliminary invitation to Schumer approximately a month ago, yet Schumer has yet to endorse it.

“I sent a draft letter, as it’s a joint invitation, and it has been awaiting Chuck Schumer’s endorsement. To my knowledge, he hasn’t signed off on it yet,” Johnson remarked, noting that it was dispatched “about a month ago.”

However, Schumer’s office has now confirmed his readiness to participate.

“He plans to co-sign the invitation; the specifics are currently being finalized,” affirmed the spokesperson for the Senate leader to The Hill on Friday.

Netanyahu has previously addressed Congress in March 2015.

Schumer drew criticism in March when he delivered a Senate floor speech, during which he characterized Netanyahu as having “strayed from the path” and labeled him an “impediment to peace.”

This led to backlash from officials in both the US and Israel, although President Joe Biden later indicated his support for Schumer’s comments.

“It was a commendable speech,” remarked Biden in the Oval Office, responding to inquiries from journalists regarding Schumer’s statements.

“He voiced significant concerns, not only on his behalf but on behalf of many Americans,” Biden continued, stating that his team had been briefed about the speech beforehand by Schumer.

Netanyahu later addressed Schumer’s comments in an interview with CNN, deeming them “wholly inappropriate.”

Last month, Schumer once more urged Israel to conduct elections, citing National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz’s advocacy for such action.

“When a prominent figure in Israel’s military leadership advocates for early elections, and over 70% of the Israeli populace concurs according to a significant survey, it’s evident that it’s the right course of action,” Schumer articulated in a social media post.

His statement followed Gantz’s announcement at the end of a press briefing on the Gaza conflict, where he stated, “To maintain our unity, the public must be aware that we will soon seek their mandate. Let’s not disregard October 7. Therefore, we must agree on an election date around September. I’ve discussed such a timeline with political leaders. Elections will prevent a fracture within the nation, as we’re soon to renew the trust between the people and their representatives.”

Despite Schumer’s critique of Netanyahu, he hinted in March that he would not oppose Netanyahu addressing Congress.

“The United States stands as Israel’s staunchest ally, and our alliance transcends any single president or prime minister. I will always welcome the opportunity for the Prime Minister of Israel to address Congress in a bipartisan manner,” Schumer said in a statement.

{Dov T. Hill – Matzav.com}