US House Speaker Mike Johnson Postpones Trip to Israel Amid Escalating Conflict

 US House Speaker Mike Johnson Postpones Trip to Israel Amid Escalating Conflict

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Monday that he has postponed his planned visit to Israel, where he was expected to address the Israeli parliament on June 22. The postponement comes in response to the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

In a statement, Johnson, a Louisiana Republican and strong supporter of Israel, explained, “Due to the complex situation currently unfolding in Iran and Israel, (Knesset) Speaker (Amir) Ohana and I have made the decision to postpone the special session of the Knesset. We look forward to rescheduling the address in the near future and send our prayers to the people of Israel and the Middle East.”

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The trip was initially scheduled following Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which began after a surprise attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas. Recently, Israel launched strikes against Iran, targeting its military command and nuclear sites, which has significantly increased regional tensions. Israel states that its campaign aims to eliminate Tehran's nuclear capability, though Iran maintains its program is purely civilian.

Additionally, the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4, the highest warning, advising Americans against travel there due to “armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest.”