Chris Van Hollen: “I come to the floor today, as a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship, to talk about why it was such a big…”

“I come to the floor today, as a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship, to talk about why it was such a big mistake to invite Prime Minister Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress and why I will not attend his speech tomorrow. I do not take this decision lightly, and I want to explain my reasons. At the outset, I want to underscore the importance of the longtime partnership between the people of the United States and the people of Israel. After the horrors of the Holocaust, the United States led the effort at the United Nations to advocate for the establishment of a homeland for the Jewish people. And then, in May 1948, the United States, under the leadership of President Harry Truman, became the first country to recognize the State of Israel. And that support--this solidarity--has held firm for 76 years, through many conflicts. That was especially true in the immediate aftermath of the vicious Hamas terror attack on October 7. Ten days later, President Biden traveled to Jerusalem to embrace the people of Israel and let them know that we, the United States, stand with them after that brutal massacre that killed over 1,200 people and seized over 250 hostages. Those bonds between the people of Israel and the people of the United States remain strong today.…”