In a statement released on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that he has accepted an invitation from US congressional leaders to address a joint meeting of Congress. Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Israel before the American people and the international community, as he plans to present the truth about their ongoing conflict against those who seek to destroy their nation.

The invitation was extended by the top four US congressional leaders - House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. In their letter, the leaders voiced their support for Israel in their struggle against terrorism, particularly highlighting the issue of Hamas holding American and Israeli citizens captive and causing instability in the region.

Notably, the letter did not include a specific date for the address. Signed by the top Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, the invitation comes amidst speculation surrounding additional military aid to Israel and ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas.

Earlier on Friday, President Joe Biden outlined a three-phase proposal submitted by Israel to bring an end to the crisis in Gaza. Biden argued that Israel had achieved its stated goals in the operation and that it was time to stop the fighting to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, within an hour of Biden's statement, Netanyahu's office maintained that Israel would not cease its military operations until Hamas is defeated and all of its goals are accomplished.

The decision to invite Netanyahu to address Congress was reportedly discussed during a closed-door conference meeting in March, where House Republicans raised the idea. House Speaker Johnson expressed the importance of displaying solidarity and support for Israel in the current situation.

Netanyahu's address to the joint meeting of Congress will provide a platform for him to articulate Israel's perspective on the ongoing conflict and garner support from the United States. The date for this address is yet to be determined.