Before departing Jerusalem on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured above) said Israel will be the United States' strongest ally in the Middle East, regardless who is elected president in November. While his visit is being overshadowed by President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection, Netanyahu plans to thank Biden for all he has done for Israel throughout his career.
Jan Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, understands why Netanyahu plans to praise Biden.
"Obviously he knows he's been so marginalized under Joe Biden, so I just think it's going to be a very, very awkward time," Markell tells AFN. "But Bibi's been a lifelong politician. He knows he's got to say the right thing at the right time, and right now he has to say that Joe Biden is a great friend.
"Now 90% of us know that's almost laughable," she continues. "But remember, America still gives Israel $3 billion. So, what are you going to say to the president of the country that gives that little nation 3 billion dollars? You're going to say, 'Thank you.'"
The Israeli leader is slated to address Congress on Wednesday in his first visit to the U.S. since winning a record sixth term as prime minister in late 2022. But neither Vice President Kamala Harris (who, as VP, presides over joint sessions of Congress) nor her replacement – Senate President pro tempore Patty Murray (D-Washington) – are expected to attend. According to Fox News, Harris will be in Indiana at a previously scheduled event; and Murray will be boycotting the event.
House Speaker Mike Johnson doesn't buy Harris' excuse. "It is outrageous to me and inexcusable that Kamala Harris is boycotting [Netayahu's speech] .... She will not be there because she refuses to attend. She needs to held accountable for that," says Johnson. "The idea that [Democrats] are making political calculations when our ally is in such dire straits, fighting for its very survival ... is unconscionable to us."
Despite those circumstances, Markell expects the address to Congress will go well.
"I do know that he's requested a meeting with true, solid evangelical Christians because he wants to shore up the relationship between Christians and Israel," says the ministry leader. After October 7, many – at least in the free world – are very, very sympathetic to Israel. And certainly the Republican Party is very, very sympathetic to Israel. So, I think it'll go tremendously well."
Fox News reports Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) will preside over the joint session tomorrow.
