In a surprising turn of events, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced his attendance at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress as his special guest. The news was revealed in a brief interview posted on social media by a Fox News reporter. However, the Israeli embassy has not yet responded to confirm if Musk was indeed invited by Netanyahu.

Musk's presence at the Capitol comes just a day after he made a groundbreaking announcement on X, stating that his satellite internet company, Starlink, had been activated in a Gaza hospital. This initiative has gained support from both Israel and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to provide crucial internet connectivity during the devastating Israel-Hamas war and the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Netanyahu's upcoming speech has not been without its fair share of controversy. As tensions and protests rise surrounding his approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, more than 30 members of Congress, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, have decided not to attend the address. The absence of Harris, usually presiding over joint congressional sessions, is particularly conspicuous and has been attributed to her demanding travel schedule as the Democratic front-runner for the party's presidential nomination.

Among the lawmakers who have chosen to boycott Netanyahu's speech, several are opting to meet with families of hostages held by Hamas or participate in a panel discussing Middle East peace and security. Senator Bernie Sanders has been one of the most vocal critics, condemning Netanyahu's policies in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as his refusal to support a two-state solution.

In light of the vice president's absence, it is expected that Senator Ben Cardin, the Senate Foreign Relations Chairman from Maryland, will preside over Netanyahu's joint address. Cardin emphasized the importance of the longstanding relationship between the United States and Israel, stating that it transcends politics and partisanship.

Netanyahu's Congress address will be his fourth, with his last appearance taking place in March 2015. During his time on Capitol Hill, he is scheduled to meet with the top four congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Following his appearance in Congress, Netanyahu will have separate meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Thursday, further highlighting the significance of their discussions and the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

As tensions continue to simmer, all eyes will be on Benjamin Netanyahu's speech in Congress, along with the outcomes of his meetings with top U.S. officials, as they navigate through the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and strive for peaceful resolutions in the troubled region.