Elon Musk to Attend Netanyahu’s Address to Congress Amid Controversy

Associated media – Associated media

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a brief social media interview posted by a Fox News reporter, Elon Musk confirmed that he will attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming speech to Congress as Netanyahu’s guest.

The Israeli Embassy has not yet confirmed Musk’s attendance.

Musk’s visit to Capitol Hill follows his announcement on X that Starlink, his satellite internet company, will be operational at a hospital in Gaza, with backing from Israel and the UAE.

Nine months into the Israel-Hamas conflict, Netanyahu’s speech has ignited protests in Washington, resulting in around 200 arrests during a sit-in at the Cannon House Office Building.

Over 30 members of Congress plan to boycott the speech, citing Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict.

Vice President Kamala Harris will also be absent, citing travel commitments. Typically, the vice president oversees joint sessions of Congress, but Harris is currently campaigning for the Democratic presidential nominee.

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, will also miss the speech due to his vice-presidential campaign duties, according to a Trump campaign official.

In Harris’s absence, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin, D-Md., will preside over the joint session. Cardin emphasized the bipartisan nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship, stating, “The United States’ relationship with the State of Israel transcends politics and partisanship.”

While Harris attributes her absence to travel, many lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., plan to skip the speech in protest. Some will meet with families of hostages held by Hamas or participate in Middle East peace discussions instead.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a vocal critic of Netanyahu, stated, “Netanyahu should not be welcomed into the United States Congress. His policies in Gaza and the West Bank and his refusal to support a two-state solution should be condemned.”

This will be Netanyahu’s fourth address to Congress, his last being in March 2015.

During his visit, Netanyahu will meet with top congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. He will also hold separate meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris at the White House on Thursday.

Associated media – Associated media

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