Johnson, a critic of Biden's Israel policy and a Republican, made this statement during the Israeli embassy's annual Independence Day reception.

This speech is expected to be a show of support for Israel during a critical time.

Progressive Democrats who are critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and Biden's support for it are likely to be further angered by this development.

Netanyahu has historically aligned himself with Republicans.

The upcoming diplomatic gathering in Washington takes place amid strains between Biden and Netanyahu regarding the US push for Israel to take greater measures to protect Palestinian civilians during the war against Hamas militants in Gaza.

The US Embassy in Israel gave equal speaking roles to Democratic Representative Pete Aguilar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the Independence Day reception.

Aguilar reaffirmed America's commitment to Israel's sovereignty.

Pompeo announced that Prime Minister Netanyahu would soon visit Capitol Hill for a joint session of Congress.

The embassy decided to honor bipartisan lawmakers with speaking roles in appreciation for their approval of new US military aid to Israel.

In recent years, high-level US officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have delivered the keynote speeches at these events.

A reception for Israeli officials took place on the same night as a White House state dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto, causing scheduling conflicts for some administration cabinet members.

Condemnation was expressed by both Johnson and Aguilar towards the International Criminal Court's decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli officials Netanyahu and Gallant, as well as Hamas leaders.

Johnson made a veiled criticism of Biden, accusing some leaders of withholding "vital weapons" from Israel.

Biden has paused the delivery of bombs to Israel and threatened to delay further shipments if Netanyahu initiates a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian protests continued outside the National Building Museum in Washington D.C., accusing Israel of killing innocent civilians.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was reportedly close to inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a speech to Congress, despite objections from some Democrats.

Johnson had given Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer an ultimatum to invite Netanyahu to address a joint meeting or only allow him to speak to the House.

Schumer had previously criticized Netanyahu but signaled he was open to the visit, without setting a date.

Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has been invited to address the US Congress for a fourth time, this time by Republican leaders without consultation with Democratic President Biden.

The speech, scheduled for March 2023, comes amid increased politicization of Israeli policy in the US, particularly ahead of the November election.

Netanyahu's past speeches, including one in 2015 that aimed to derail Obama's nuclear deal with Iran, have been controversial.

This year's event, marking Israel's 76th anniversary, is being billed as a "solidarity event" as Israel is currently fighting Hamas militants who attacked the country.

A conflict between Israel and Palestine resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 253 hostages according to Israeli reports.

However, Palestinian authorities claim that over 35,000 people have been killed during Israel's campaign in Gaza, with many of them being women and children.