House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) are reportedly planning to head to Israel later this month.
The specifics of their visits are scarce, but Jeffries is planning to visit Israel between April 22 and April 24, while McCarthy is slated to visit from April 30 to May 2, sources told Jewish Insider.
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The trip will be one of McCarthy’s first since claiming the speaker’s gavel. He has traveled to the Jewish state multiple times before, including in 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2019.
Jeffries traveled to Israel in 2013, 2018, 2019, and 2022. The scheduled trip comes as Israel has been rocked by controversy over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for judicial reforms that would grant the country’s parliament, the Knesset, power to override Supreme Court rulings.
Last month, consideration of the proposal was postponed until at least the summertime legislative session amid mass protests and international backlash. McCarthy voiced support for Netanyahu at the time.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu is an Israeli patriot, statesman, and most importantly, a great friend of the USA,” McCarthy tweeted. “Free societies have vigorous and open debate. Israel is no exception. I support @netanyahu, and America’s support for Israel’s strong, vibrant democracy is unwavering.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu is an Israeli patriot, statesman, and most importantly, a great friend of the USA.
Free societies have vigorous and open debate. Israel is no exception.
I support @netanyahu, and America’s support for Israel’s strong, vibrant democracy is unwavering.
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) March 30, 2023
Jeffries’s visit comes amid disagreements within his caucus over Israel, as some progressive members have opposed the country’s policies toward the Palestinians.
I had a great meeting today with Democratic Leader @RepJeffries, a staunch supporter of Israel. We discussed challenges and opportunities in our region and his upcoming visit to Israel. I thanked him for his deep commitment to Israel-U.S. relations. 🇮🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2OxgSk3xF8
— Ambassador Michael Herzog (@AmbHerzog) March 28, 2023
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He met with Michael Herzog, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, at the Capitol one day after Netanyahu suspended the judicial reforms.
The Washington Examiner contacted representatives of Jeffries and McCarthy for comment.