House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) declared in a speech Monday night that it is America’s “biblical counsel” to support and support Israel.
The House Republican leader was speaking at an emergency meeting of Christians United for Israel, convened in response to Iran’s weekend missile attack on the United States, an ally in the Middle East.
“I want to tell you what you all know: At this critical moment, the United States must demonstrate unwavering strength and support for Israel…Israel is not alone and God will help. We have to make sure the whole world understands that ‘bless the nation that bless Israel,”’ Johnson said. “We understand that that is our role. It is also our Biblical commandment. It is also an article of faith for us. It is also good foreign policy.”
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Speaker Mike Johnson said in a speech Monday night that the United States must support Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised him. (Getty)
He spent much of his 15-minute speech criticizing President Biden and other Democratic leaders who have criticized Israel for its response to Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack. He specifically singled out Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who called for new elections in Israel.
“They are trying to dictate strategy, and they are trying to demand a change in leadership while Israel is in an existential fight,” Johnson said. “It’s breathtaking.”
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He criticized President Biden’s handling of Israel and the unfolding Middle East conflict. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
He also criticized Biden’s foreign policy on Iran, including reports that the administration extended sanctions waivers last month to inject more money into the unstable economy. This exemption was first granted to him in November 2018.
“It’s unconscionable. I don’t understand it. And I’ve talked to the White House about this. I don’t understand the policy. I don’t understand it,” Johnson said.
He also said he confronted Schumer on the phone after Schumer called for new Israeli elections last month.
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He also attacked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“I called the senator and said, ‘What are you doing?'” Johnson said. “What if I came out and made a statement and called for regime change in Ukraine… my hair would be on fire.”
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This came shortly after Prime Minister Johnson announced new plans to provide funding to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan in a closed session of the House of Commons Republican Conference.
He told reporters after the meeting that based on his proposal, the House would hold separate votes on each funding priority this weekend, likely Friday.
