Netanyahu Scheduled to Speak to Joint Session of Congress on June 13th

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to speak at a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on June 13, as reported by Punchbowl News. This invitation by top lawmakers is seen as a demonstration of support, despite differences over the Gaza conflict.

Netanyahu’s actions during the war have strained relations with President Joe Biden’s administration.

It is unlikely that Netanyahu will meet with Biden during his visit to Washington, as the president will be attending a G7 summit in Puglia, Italy from June 13-15.

Addressing a joint session of Congress is a prestigious opportunity typically reserved for close U.S. allies or significant world leaders. Netanyahu has previously spoken to Congress three times, with the most recent in 2015.

If Netanyahu speaks at this upcoming event, he will become the first foreign leader to address Congress four times, tying with Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of Britain.

The Gaza conflict was triggered by an attack led by Hamas on Oct. 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties according to Israeli reports.