In a forceful address, Netanyahu outlined his vision for the future of the Middle East, centered around a NATO-like pact of mutual defense that would be ‘a natural extension’ of the Abraham Accords
i24NEWS
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an address to a joint session of U.S. Congress on Wednesday, delivering a forceful address on the dangers of Iran-sponsored jihadism and the importance of combatting it through moral clarity and unity of purpose.
The leader has also outlined his vision for the future of the Middle East, centered around a NATO-like pact of mutual defense that would be “a natural extension” of the Abraham Accords.
A number of lawmakers have stated they will not attend, including 18 representatives and nine senators from the Democratic Party. The progressive wing of the party has been hostile to Netanyahu being invited at all, with New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling him “a war criminal.”
US President Joe Biden is currently recovering from a Covid-19 infection and will not attend. He is scheduled to meet Netanyahu on Thursday. Vice President Kamala Harris is also not in attendance, as she has engagements for her presidential campaign after Biden withdrew from the race. She is expected to meet with Netanyahu separately.
Her absence “should not be interpreted as a change in her position with regard to Israel,” one of Harris’s aides said.
Netanyahu is also due to meet with former president Donald Trump in Florida on Friday. Trump’s vice presidential selection, JD Vance, is also engaged in Trump’s presidential campaign and unable to attend Netanyahu’s address.
“Senator Vance stands steadfastly with the people of Israel in their fight to defend their homeland, eradicate terrorist threats, and bring back their countrymen held hostage,” said Trump campaign advisor Jason Miller.