Published on June 15, 2024, 1:19 am

In a noteworthy turn of events, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, is set to journey to Washington and escort a joint parliamentary assembly on July 24. Odds are high that the audience’s make-up will be predominantly Republican since Democrats seem to be hoofing it for fear of upsetting their Muslim and young demographics due to their ongoing advocacy for Israel’s struggle for survival. This situation might yet tilt the playing field in favor of Republicans in the forthcoming elections come November.

With imminent criticisms brewing amongst democrats over how best to respond to Netanyahu’s speech, it appears they are considering ‘counterprogramming’. The initiative may incorporate activities such as an organized vigil or a meet-and-greet with families of American hostages still held by Hamas. This move might be seen as trying to discredit Netanyahu while he’s visiting American shores. Mention of these machinations was made by one House Democrat involved in the discussions: “We are hearing from others in the caucus that they would like to be part of counter-programming that is focused on peace, bringing the hostages home, and ending this horrible conflict.”

Historically, not all has been well between Netanyahu and Capitol Hill progressives who have often criticized his conservative policies. Notably, there was significant debate surrounding Netanyahu’s last Congress address when Obama was president and had just instituted the Iran nuclear deal. Gowever, irrespective of these old charges resurfacing with newly-minted hatred directed at Netanyahu due to his Gaza offensive; some assert that they will grace Netanyahu’s address out of respect for Israel being America’s most firm ally in Middle East.

As for Prime Minister Netanyahu, he intends his message to reflect upon Israel’s “just war” against antagonistic entities seeking its annihilation en route carrying forward discourse about real news alongside maintaining Christian worldview implications: “I am very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both Houses of Congress and present facts about our just war facing those who seek our destruction to representatives of American populace and the world at large”, he stated.

Republican leaders, Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority leader, Mitch McConnell issued a mutual affirmation asserting that Netanyahu’s impending discourse symbolizes US-Israel’s enduring affiliation: “The bipartisan meeting expresses America-Israel’s long-term association, granting Prime Minister Netanyahu the platform to share his government’s vision of democracy defense, terrorism combat, and establishing just & lasting peace in the region.”

Accepting trusted news from fiasco around his joint parliamentary discourse back in 2015 where he critiqued Barack Obama during Iran nuclear deal debates, claims about Netanyahu undermining America weren’t entirely off-base. His failed efforts to derail Congressional approval of the deal seemingly have come full circle with subsequent Iran-initiated attacks on Israel.