Washington — Congressional leaders are assembly this week with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after some lawmakers accused the Israeli chief of attempting to pull the U.S. into one other battle.
Netanyahu met with Home Speaker Mike Johnson Tuesday after assembly earlier within the day with Vice President JD Vance. Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, postponed a visit to Israel in June to handle the Israeli parliament, generally known as the Knesset, as battle broke out with Iran.
In a press release, Johnson stated he and Netanyahu mentioned america’ dedication to Israel’s safety and a ceasefire settlement in Gaza.
“America and Israel’s robust stand within the 12-Day Struggle dealt a devastating blow to the best enemy of peace within the area, leaving the Iranian regime weaker than at any level in a long time. We’re hopeful that this marks the daybreak of a brand new chapter of peace within the Center East,” Johnson stated.
Netanyahu’s assembly with a bipartisan group of greater than a dozen senators was delayed till Wednesday. Senate Majority Chief John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, and Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, each attended the assembly.
GOP Sen. Invoice Cassidy of Louisiana was additionally among the many attendees, and he advised reporters afterward that the Israeli chief had mentioned regime change in Iran with the group.
He stated Netanyahu argued that “if there’s regime change in Iran, it will be higher for the Iranian folks and higher for the area.” The Louisiana senator recounted Netanyahu stated to the group that “Iran has been destabilizing for that complete area, however that if Iran turns into a accomplice, versus an adversary — not simply to Israel, however to Europe, to Saudi Arabia, to the opposite nations — how a lot potential may be unlocked?”
Netanyahu’s visits to the U.S. Capitol come as Mr. Trump faces criticism from Democrats and a few Republicans over his resolution to strike three areas central to Iran’s nuclear program final month.
Lawmakers launched a number of measures within the Senate and Home searching for to limit Mr. Trump from taking additional motion towards Iran with out approval. The Senate voted down a battle powers decision launched by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, whereas the opposite measures have but to obtain a vote.
Netanyahu met with administration officers Monday and had dinner on the White Home with the president. Chatting with reporters Monday, Mr. Trump expressed confidence that there will likely be a ceasefire with Hamas quickly. And on U.S.-Iran talks, he forecasted that extra particulars would come out Tuesday.
Following his assembly with Johnson on Tuesday afternoon, Netanyahu advised reporters that the “resolute resolution of President Trump to behave with us towards those that search to destroy Israel and threaten the peace of the world has made a outstanding change within the Center East.”
“There are alternatives for peace that we intend to appreciate,” Netanyahu added. “We’re working collectively on this. We now have nonetheless to complete the job in Gaza, launch all our hostages, eradicate and destroy Hamas’ army and governance capabilities as a result of Gaza will need to have a unique future for ours sake, for everybody’s sake.”
Netanyahu stated the coordination between the U.S. and Mr. Trump has been “unmatched.”
The president and prime minister met once more later Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Trump stated beforehand he anticipated to talk with the Israeli chief about “largely Gaza.”
JIM WATSON/POOL/AFP by way of Getty Photos
Whereas on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, Netanyahu stated Mr. Trump needs a peace deal, “however not at any value.”
The conferences come after Johnson postponed a deliberate journey to Israel final month, the place he was scheduled to handle Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, amid open warfare between Israel and Iran. It might have been one among a small variety of overseas journeys he is made since turning into speaker. Johnson met with Netanyahu in Washington in February. Throughout that go to, Netanyahu additionally met with Senate Majority Chief John Thune and a bipartisan group of senators.
The Israeli prime minister addressed a joint assembly of Congress practically a yr in the past as he sought to shore up help for Israel’s battle towards Hamas in Gaza, whereas criticizing those that had protested towards the battle.
Cristina Corujo and
contributed to this report.
