Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy has given an ultimatum to the White House that if it continues to stall in extending an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Washington, the Republican leader will.
McCarthy (R-Calif.) made his statement while on a two-day visit to Israel on Monday and ahead of meeting Netanyahu.
Speaking to the Israeli daily Israel Hayom, McCarthy lamented that “it’s been too long” since Netanyahu got an invite to the White House. US President Joe Biden has not extended an invite to the Likud leader since he returned to office last December. Their relationship has been marred with differences over the judicial overhaul in Israel, escalation with the Palestinians and regional challenges including Iran. Israeli prime ministers are usually invited to Washington in the first three months in office.
“If that doesn’t happen, I’ll invite the prime minister to come meet with the House. He’s a dear friend," McCarthy said.
