On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.S. Capitol. Thune aims to reinforce the strong alliance between the United States and Israel and to discuss strategies for advancing peace initiatives in the Middle East.
In a recent interview, Thune emphasized the unwavering support for Israel, despite differing perspectives within Congress. He noted that while some Democrats have distanced themselves from pro-Israel positions, the commitment to Israel’s security remains steadfast among Republicans. Thune highlighted the recent Senate vote where Democrats blocked the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” a bill intended to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The bill fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance, with a 54-45 outcome.
Thune expressed concern over the ICC’s actions, stating that the court has exhibited an anti-Israel bias. He criticized the ICC’s decision to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli officials, viewing it as a politicized move that undermines Israel’s right to self-defense. The House of Representatives had previously passed the bill with a vote of 243-140, demonstrating bipartisan support.
The upcoming meeting between Thune and Netanyahu is expected to cover a range of topics, including the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by hostile entities and strategies to counter threats from groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and state actors like Iran. Thune also plans to discuss the potential for expanding the Abraham Accords, agreements initially brokered during President Donald Trump’s first term, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Thune underscored the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, describing Israel as America’s greatest ally in the Middle East. He emphasized the need for the United States to remain a reliable and unwavering partner to Israel, especially in the face of regional threats and international challenges.
The meeting comes at a time when the U.S. administration is considering various approaches to Middle East peace, including proposals that have sparked debate within political circles. Thune’s discussions with Netanyahu are anticipated to focus on collaborative efforts to enhance security and promote stability in the region.
