On July 24, Israel’s Netanyahu will address the US Congress

During a visit to Washington on July 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will “present the truth” about the battle against Hamas in Gaza when he meets the U.S. Congress, Republican leaders announced on Thursday.

In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Netanyahu will address a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“I am very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both Houses of Congress and to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world,” Netanyahu stated in the statement.

Tensions between Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden, who has previously backed Israel’s assault in Gaza but has recently become more critical of its strategies and withheld the shipment of some bombs, are present throughout Netanyahu’s visit.

Whether Netanyahu would meet with Biden while in the United States was not immediately apparent.

In the lead-up to November’s elections, Biden’s backing of Israel has come under fire from some Democrats and voters who are incensed about the thousands of civilian deaths in Gaza.

Biden’s stance on the conflict has also drawn criticism from Republicans, who claim he is not doing enough to support Israel.

In a separate statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that he had also extended the invitation to Netanyahu.

“I have clear and profound disagreements with the prime minister, which I have voiced both privately and publicly and will continue to do so,” Schumer stated. “However, I supported the call for him to speak because America’s relationship with Israel is unbreakable and transcends one individual or prime minister.”

According to Israeli estimates, Hamas invaded Israeli territory on October 7th, killing almost 1,200 people and taking about 250 captives. During the truce in November, around half of the hostages were set free.

In retaliation, Israel began a military assault on Gaza that has killed over 36,000 people, according to health professionals in the region. Thousands more deaths are likely buried beneath the debris, they add.