Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer will lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to Israel this week, aiming to show support amidst growing tensions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming address to Congress. The delegation, consisting of nine House members, will engage in discussions with Israeli leaders to gather updates on the situation in Gaza, including the ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns.
Hoyer expressed his commitment to strengthening the US-Israel relationship, emphasizing bipartisan support for Israel within Congress. The visit comes at a critical time as Democrats grapple with differing views on Israel's actions in Gaza, with some lawmakers considering boycotting Netanyahu's speech scheduled for July 24.
Netanyahu's strained relationship with President Joe Biden has further complicated the situation, with disagreements over Israel's military strategies and efforts to address civilian suffering in Gaza. While Congress previously approved aid for Israel, divisions persist among Democrats regarding the Israeli government's approach to the conflict.
Several Democratic lawmakers have publicly announced their intentions to skip Netanyahu's speech, citing concerns over the format and content of the address. The potential boycott echoes a similar move in 2015 when many Democrats opted out of attending Netanyahu's speech to Congress during tensions with then-President Barack Obama.
Despite disagreements with Netanyahu, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defended the decision to invite the Israeli prime minister, emphasizing the enduring nature of the US-Israel relationship. While some lawmakers, including Rep. Ro Khanna, have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Netanyahu on ending the conflict, others like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Jim Clyburn have confirmed their absence from the upcoming address.
The visit to Israel by the congressional delegation underscores the complex dynamics surrounding US-Israel relations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As discussions continue within Congress on how to navigate these challenges, the visit serves as a critical opportunity to engage with Israeli leaders and assess the situation on the ground.
