Tensions Rise as Netanyahu Addresses Congress on National Security

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is headed to Washington, leaving behind a brutal war to make a politically precarious speech to Congress. After landing in the US on Monday, he addressed the families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas, emphasizing the importance of national security and the need for continued support from the United States.

Republicans and Democrats have different views on Netanyahu's speech Wednesday to Congress. The embattled Israeli prime minister is embraced by Republicans while many Democrats plan to skip the speech, highlighting the partisan divide on foreign policy issues.

Vice President Kamala Harris will not preside over or attend Netanyahu's joint address to Congress on Wednesday, further underscoring the political tensions surrounding the visit. An aide to Harris mentioned a scheduling conflict but confirmed that she would meet with the Israeli prime minister during his trip.

Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder will hold a news briefing on Tuesday as Netanyahu visits Washington, signaling the importance of the visit in terms of national security and military cooperation. Some aides on both sides of the aisle needed to be reminded that the leader was even in town, illustrating the complexity of the political landscape surrounding the visit.

Overall, Netanyahu's speech in Washington is a crucial moment for US-Israel relations and international diplomacy. The Israeli prime minister faces a delicate balancing act as he navigates the political minefield of Capitol Hill, seeking to strengthen ties with the US while addressing concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.