The top four congressional leaders on Friday formally invited Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress, which the longtime Israeli leader accepted, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Hill.
In a post on the social platform X, Netanyahu said he was “thrilled” about the opportunity to speak to lawmakers.
Shortly after The Hill and other outlets reported the June 13 speech, Israeli media reports indicated that the date is not yet finalized.
The plans come just days after Biden delivered remarks Friday afternoon, announcing the terms of a proposal from Israel that includes a three-part road map toward ending fighting and the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
“After intensive diplomacy carried out by my team, my many conversations with leaders of Israel, Qatar and Egypt, and other Middle Eastern countries, Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal,” Biden said. “It’s a road map to an enduring cease-fire and the release of all hostages.”
The proposal was sent to Hamas through Qatar, but Biden said the group had not yet formally accepted the deal.
Each of the three phases would be about 42 days long. Phase one, during the six-week pause in fighting, would distribute relief to the Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Phase two would involve the release of the remaining hostages. Phase three would involve an extensive three-to-five year reconstruction plan for Gaza backed by the U.S. and international community.
Biden acknowledged that many Israelis will not be happy with the deal but urged them to get behind the plan “despite whatever pressure comes.”
Netanyahu said Saturday that conditions for a cease-fire “have not changed,” despite Biden’s announcement.
“Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: The destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
