US House leaders to travel to Israel later this month

The two US House leaders plan to travel to Israel later this month, according to a report by Jewish Insider.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California will visit the country between 30 April and 2 May, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York will visit from 22 to 24 April, in what appear to be the first official trips for both leaders since taking their leadership positions earlier this year. Both have previously visited Israel several times.

The timing comes around the 75th anniversary of Israel's official two-day independence commemoration, which begins on 25 April.

It also comes at a time of high political tension, with ongoing demonstrations against the new far-right government and its proposed judicial reforms, as well as increased government crackdowns and violence in the West Bank.

Amid Israel's ongoing political turmoil, McCarthy has praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu is an Israeli patriot, statesman, and most importantly, a great friend of the USA," McCarthy said in a statement, according to Jewish Insider.

"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," he added.