Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy gave Israel Hayom an exclusive interview on Sunday in which he issued a strong rebuke of President Joe Biden for not hosting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu more than four months after returning to power.
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McCarthy arrived in Israel on Sunday as the head of a bipartisan Congressional delegation to the region. It includes former Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
Asked if the lack of an invitation to the Israeli leader from the White House should be considered normal, the Republican said, "If that [a visit to the White House] doesn't happen, I'll invite the prime minister to come meet with the House. He's a dear friend, as a prime minister of a country that we have our closest ties with," McCarthy said. When pressed on how long he would wait, McCarthy said, "I think it's too long now. He should invite him soon." He added that he has already invited President Isaac Herzog to speak before both chambers of Congress in June to mark Israel's 75th anniversary.
"President Biden hasn't talked to me about the debt ceiling for the last 80 some days so. I think he, the prime minister, might be in good company if he treats me the same way," the speaker quipped.
Asked about the recent report about a Jordanian lawmaker who was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle large quantities of arms to Israel, McCarthy said, "That's appalling and the king does not support that." He added that he believed the two countries must build "even stronger" relations, and "that is important with your allies, with your neighbors and others."
Asked if the Congressional delegation spoke with King Abdullah II about it he replied, "We raised it with the individuals there."
The full interview will be published Monday.
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