Speaker McCarthy will address the Knesset during Israel trip

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will address the Israeli Knesset as part of a planned trip to the country, becoming the second House Speaker after Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., to do so.

McCarthy confirmed the trip via Twitter on Tuesday, saying "[m]y first trip abroad as Speaker will be a return to Israel to commemorate their 75th year of statehood. The US-Israel relationship is as important as ever, and I’m proud to accept @AmirOhana’s invitation as the 2nd Speaker of the House in history to address the Knesset."

McCarthy will address the chamber on May 1, The Hill reported. His delegation will include 20 lawmakers, among them members of both parties. McCarthy's visit comes at a time of tension between the Israeli government and the White House.

President Joe Biden previously indicated opposition to a proposed judiciary reform that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports. McCarthy had lent his voice to Netanyahu on the matter.

Israeli Speaker Amir Ohana celebrated news of McCarthy's address, saying "Mr. Speaker, we are very excited to host you in your second home - the Knesset. Thank you for your longstanding support for Israel!"

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.