US invites Israeli FM to attend NATO Summit in Washington
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The United States has invited several Israeli officials to attend the summit in Washington later in July.
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Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz listens during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the war in Gaza, Monday, March 11, 2024, at U.N. headquarters (AP)
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Kantz was invited by the United States to attend the NATO summit held in Washington later in July, the Israeli Foreign Ministry revealed on Friday.
"Israeli Foreign Minister Katz has received an invitation from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to attend a NATO summit, which will be held in the presence of US President [Joe] Biden on July 9 in Washington to mark the 75th anniversary of the NATO alliance," the ministry's statement read.
Earlier today, the Financial Times reported that Washington had sent invitations to several Israeli and Arab officials for the NATO summit, which will take place on July 9-11.
In a related context, the US also invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress in July.
However, American officials have expressed fears and concern as Netanyahu may take advantage of his upcoming address at the White House to openly attack US President Joe Biden and his administration's handling of the war on Gaza.
An unnamed US official told Politico on Saturday, "No one knows what he’s going to say."
According to another senior official, Netanyahu "could make it far worse up there in front of Congress" and his most recent call-out of the US "was not helpful at all."
In response to Netanyahu scolding the US for withholding ammunition and weapons from "Israel", White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby expressed that the White House was not aware the video was coming and called it "perplexing to say the least, certainly disappointing."
Read more: Netanyahu should stay home, save his breath in Congress: NYT
