Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana congratulated Mike Johnson on his election as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
In a tweet, Ohana wrote: "Your extensive support for Israel over the years and your resolute stance against Hamas, especially after the war crimes they committed on October 7th, shine brightly in days when Israelis, American Jews, and the free world need it more than ever."
He further wrote: "I'm sure that under your leadership, Congress will continue to work with the Knesset to combat terrorism and fight against anti-Semitism."
As reported earlier, about three weeks after the former Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, was removed from the leadership of the House Republican Conference, and following a series of inconclusive non-binding votes, the U.S. Congress managed to agree on a new Speaker for the House of Representatives.
This is a role equivalent to the Speaker of the Knesset in Israel, and it is a leading position in advancing legislation and appropriations for various branches of the American government. The newly elected Speaker is Republican Congressman Mike Johnson, who was one of many contenders and the first to secure a solid majority.
President Joe Biden has requested from Congress to approve military aid in the billions, both to Israel and Ukraine. The lack of a Speaker in Congress has hindered legislative progress, and now, with Johnson's election, the budget request is expected to reach a vote in the House of Representatives soon.