Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. John Boehner (R–Ohio) said he plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress.
“It will be a great honor for Congress to welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu next month as part of his official visit to the United States,” Boehner said in a statement. “America and Israel are the closest of friends and allies, and we look forward to hearing the prime minister’s views on how we can continue working together for peace, freedom, and stability.”
Boehner, who must submit his request to the House and Senate for approval, said the visit would be timed for May, when Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington to speak to the annual AIPAC conference.
The Prime Minister’s Office has hinted that Netanyahu will unveil at that time a new peace proposal aimed at drawing the Palestinian Authority back into direct talks. — jta