Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said he expects Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss what his plans are for peace in Israel’s war with Hamas in his speech to Congress next month.
“Boy, I hope not,” Coons said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” when asked whether Netanyahu will hold an election rally against President Biden in his speech to Congress.
“But Prime Minister Netanyahu has a long history of being very partisan and very divisive for decades, Margaret. Strong bipartisan support for Israel, for its security, has been a hallmark of our close alliance. But I will remind you, Prime Minister Netanyahu is not just divisive here. He is divisive at home for months and months before the October 7 attacks,” he added.
Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, President Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced last week. The scheduled speech comes as many Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.), have criticized Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza.
Schumer said that although he joined other congressional leaders in calling for Netanyahu to speak, he still has “clear and deep disagreements” with the Israeli leader. This will be the fourth time that Netanyahu has addressed a joint session of Congress, following visits to the US in 2015, 2011 and 1996.
Coons suggested that Netanyahu should talk about a way forward in his speech next month.
“Our President Joe Biden has led a strong effort to try to secure the release of hostages and a ceasefire. This has been adopted by all of our close allies in the G7. Netanyahu is not coming to talk to Congress about his plan to secure peace, his plan for the way forward, I don’t know why we would,” he said.
He said Netanyahu “has the chance to show that he will be a true leader, not just a party leader, but someone who will try to guarantee peace and stability for Israel.”
“I hope that happens, which is why Senator Schumer agreed to invite him to speak to a joint session of Congress,” he added.
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