Pelosi had a lot to say.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding the invitation extended to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress next month.
“I believe this is a mistake,” Pelosi (D-Calif.) remarked in an interview with CNN about the 74-year-old Israeli leader’s anticipated address to a joint session of Congress on July 24.
“I find it regrettable that he has been invited,” added the 84-year-old.
Pelosi, who led the House Democrats for two decades before stepping down in January 2023, stated unequivocally that she would not have invited Netanyahu if she were still in her leadership position. She also recalled her opposition to a similar invitation extended in 2015 by then-Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).
Pelosi voiced doubts about Netanyahu’s political longevity, questioning whether he would still be in office by the scheduled date of his address.
“From what I read, there is significant discontent, not just from [Israeli minister without portfolio Benny Gantz] but also from other members of his cabinet,” Pelosi commented, suggesting that Netanyahu should resign due to his handling of the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“I wish he would act as a statesman and prioritize Israel’s best interests,” she added.
The invitation to Netanyahu was endorsed by the top four congressional leaders: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
“The horrific attacks of October 7th shocked the world and compelled your nation into a struggle for survival,” stated the formal invitation. “We stand with the State of Israel in your fight against terror, particularly as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive and its actions threaten regional stability.”
“Therefore, on behalf of the bipartisan leadership of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, we extend an invitation for you to address a Joint Meeting of Congress.”
In March, Schumer criticized Netanyahu as a hindrance to peace in the Middle East and called for a “new election” in Israel to replace him following the end of the war.
“I have significant disagreements with the Prime Minister, which I have expressed both privately and publicly and will continue to do so,” Schumer stated on Thursday. “But given the ironclad nature of America’s relationship with Israel, which transcends any individual leader, I supported the invitation for him to speak.”
Pelosi responded to Schumer’s statement during her interview with CNN anchor Dana Bash, saying, “I respect his opinion, but I do not necessarily share it.”
She expressed concern that Netanyahu’s appearance on Capitol Hill might incite protests and exacerbate the existing “discontent” over Israel’s actions against Hamas.
“I think it will invite more of the discontent we have already seen among our own people regarding what is happening there,” she said. “I don’t believe it is a wise decision, but I respect that others may have different views.”
Netanyahu’s upcoming address will be his fourth to a joint session of Congress, the most by any foreign leader.