() House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will address the Israeli Knesset on Sunday, Jun. 22, in a special session.
Johnson announced the trip with comments about antisemitism and threats to democracy and a reminder of the long-standing alliance between the U.S. and Israel.
“It will be one of the highest honors of my life to address the Israeli Knesset at this fateful moment. Our ties run deeper than military partnerships and trade agreements. We’re bound by the same beliefs, the same psalms, and the same sacred pursuit of liberty,” Johnson said in a press release.
Johnson has been a staunch supporter of Israel and has backed the country in its continued war against Hamas, which has devastated the Gaza Strip and created a humanitarian crisis.
The announcement comes as negotiations for a ceasefire continue. Israel ended a previously negotiated ceasefire in March, imposing a blockade on Gaza and resuming military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The country has faced criticism for the aid blockade, recently detaining and deporting activists, including Greta Thunberg, who were on an aid boat headed toward Gaza.
On Tuesday, Israel recently attacked Hodeida, a port city in Yemen, the first time it has conducted a seaborne assault on Houthi rebels.
Johnson spoke to the Knesset in May 2023.
“Mike Johnson is a great friend of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. From the moment he was elected, he not only expressed his support through words but also took decisive action, even at the risk of his position, to support Israel in its most challenging moments. I hold him in great esteem, believe he is highly deserving of addressing the Knesset, and look forward to hosting him and hearing his words to the nation,” said Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
