Congress invites Netanyahu to Capitol Hill on Jewish holiday, now looks for alternative date

Congress' effort to bring Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Capitol Hill for a joint address, with the intent of him garnering support for his county's war with Hamas, has gotten off to a false start – with congressional leaders extending Netanyahu a date that conflicts with a Jewish holiday. 

A U.S. congressional leadership aide initially said Monday that Netanyahu was scheduled to speak June 13, which falls on Shavuot, according to CNN.

The date also conflicts with President Joe Biden’s visit to Italy for a Group of 7 summit. However, Biden has not, at least publicly, invited Netanyahu to the White House, as he tries to navigate the politics of his Democratic Party, divided between support for Israel and the Palestinians. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson said congressional leaders are looking at various alternative options.

“We are trying to get this done in the next couple of weeks, and there is a sense of urgency on our side and the prime minister’s, so I hope we can get it done,” the Louisiana Republican said.

A source familiar with the planning of the visit told CNN that Netanyahu is likely to come to Washington in July to address Congress.

The top four congressional Republican and Democratic leaders extended the invitation to Netanyahu last week, but it wasn’t clear at the time whether the prime minister’s visit to Washington would also include a meeting at the White House.