US House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Visit to Israeli Settlements and Regional Tensions
U.S.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to undertake an unexpected private visit to Israeli settlements on the occupied West Bank of the Jordan River.
This visit is part of his brief trip to Israel, organized by pro-Israel human rights advocacy groups.
According to two Israeli officials, the trip was unannounced and only became publicly known after Israeli ministers announced meetings with the delegation.
Johnson initially planned to visit Israel weeks earlier for a session in the Knesset, but his trip was postponed due to escalating tensions with Iran and ongoing military activities in the region.
Sources indicate that the delegation’s stay may be unusually long, extending until August 10.
The Israeli embassy in Washington expressed surprise at the visit and was not involved in its planning, alongside the Israeli Foreign Ministry and the US embassy in Jerusalem.
During the visit, the delegation intends to tour Gaza, including visiting humanitarian aid centers supported by the US and Israel, and hold meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
This trip signals deepening cooperation between the US and Israel amid current conflicts, including discussions around ceasefire plans in Gaza.
This development comes amidst reports from the UN indicating an increase in violence on the West Bank, including killings and attacks by Israeli settlers and security forces against Palestinians.