U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is due to arrive in Israel on Sunday, where he will meet with top officials and become only the second-ever holder of his post to address the full Knesset.
McCarthy is heading a 20-member delegation of Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
He will be received at Ben-Gurion Airport by his Israeli counterpart Amir Ohana before traveling directly to the parliament in Jerusalem for a formal dinner.
In the afternoon, Ohana will open the Knesset’s summer session and speeches will commence, including McCarthy’s address in English.
Ohana earlier this month described McCarthy as a “steadfast supporter and longstanding friend of Israel,” and noted that it would be the top Republican official’s first trip outside the U.S. since assuming his post in January.
“This is a clear expression of the strong and unbreakable bond between Israel and its closest ally, the United States of America,” added Ohana.
McCarthy said the U.S. relationship with the Jewish state remained “as important as ever,” adding that the visit would be special coming on the heels of Israel’s 75th Independence Day.