Netanyahu to address Congress for first time since Oct. 7 attack on Israel

WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, his first since Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel killed 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of hostages to Gaza, where about 100 are still believed to be held captive.

Netanyahu's speech at 2 p.m. ET comes at a critical period: The U.S. is in the middle of a chaotic election year, and the Biden administration continues to push negotiators toward a cease-fire agreement that could end the war in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed an estimated 30,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.

"In my speech, I will emphasize the importance of bipartisan support for Israel, I will address our friends on both sides of the map and tell them that regardless of who will be chosen to lead the American people after the presidential elections, Israel is the most important ally of the United States in the Middle East, an irreplaceable ally," Netanyahu said before he left for the U.S., according to his office.

He added, "I think that in this time of war and uncertainty, it is of utmost importance that our enemies know that the US and Israel stand together — today, tomorrow and forever."

Netanyahu was originally invited by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to address Congress amid the protests and encampments that formed on college campuses this spring.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who as the president of the Senate would normally preside over such an event, will not attend. Neither will several other prominent Democrats. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., an Orthodox Jew and chairman of the Foreign Relation Committee, will preside over the address, instead.

Harris is scheduled to be in