Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to Israel following a meeting this Friday in Washington, D.C.
Johnson opened his meeting with Netanyahu by noting the "steadfast commitment" the U.S. has maintained with Israel and added, "The prime minister and I have developed a strong bond since I became speaker. I consider him a close friend. We've spoken often. The first piece of legislation I passed after taking the gavel was a resolution of reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to the security of Israel. That was a very important gesture on our part. And, of course, I was happy to pass the security assistance funding when Israel needed it the most."
Johnson has long voiced his support for Israel, often standing up to opposition in the House when it came to providing military assistance. In April, following Iran's mass drone and missile attack, Johnson fought to keep Israeli aid when many in the GOP sought separate bills from Ukrainian assistance which many Republicans opposed. In May, Johnson formally invited Netanyahu to address Congress in the midst of the International Criminal Court threatening the prime minister with an arrest warrant over his prosecution of the war with Hamas.
Netanyahu shared the warm sentiment and responded, "I have developed, as you say, a very warm personal bond with you. I think you're an extraordinary leader. You have the job of passing historic legislation in zero time. So we exchanged a few tips on how to do that because we both know what coalitions are. But I have to say that I'm impressed with your leadership, with your initiative, and for me, most of all, your friendship to the state of Israel, the Jewish people, the Jewish state."
"And I think, Mr. Speaker, that's the spirit that animates you and so many of your colleagues here, and I want to thank you again. And I want to say you're invited to Israel this year in Jerusalem. I know you're busy, but find space to do that," Netanyahu said, telling Johnson," You'll be welcome on the red carpet."
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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