WASHINGTON (NewsNation) – House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress as the war rages in Gaza.

“I would like to have him come and address a joint session of Congress.” Johnson said on CNBC’s Squawk Box. “We will definitely extend this invitation.”

The speaker added: “We’re just trying to work out timelines for all of this.”

In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would welcome Netanyahu to address Congress.

“Israel has no stronger ally than the United States, and our relationship goes beyond a single president or a single prime minister,” Schumer said. “I will always welcome the opportunity for the Prime Minister of Israel to address Congress in a bipartisan manner.”

As of Thursday morning, Johnson had not discussed the plans with Schumer, a spokesperson for the Democratic leader told NewsNation. An invitation to speak at a joint session of Congress would have to be signed by Schumer.

Johnson spoke personally to Netanyahu earlier this week and said he reiterated this We have to show solidarity and support for Israel.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that a possible ceasefire could be closer to a deal. The plan would likely include a six-week ceasefire and the release of some, if not all, Israeli hostages. The release is likely in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

Whether either side would accept these terms remains unclear, but there appears to be at least some progress in ceasefire talks.

Congress has failed to pass key legislation that would provide aid to the Israeli military. Democrats expressed concerns about Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict and its growing importance Humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

However, Republicans are still pointing the finger Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after calling for new elections in Israel and accusing Netanyahu of straying from the right path.

“It is dangerous for him to suggest how Israel should manage its internal affairs in the midst of its conflict. “So you will see House Republicans continue to step forward and reaffirm our support for Israel at this most critical time,” Johnson said.

Schumer responded: “I care deeply about Israel and its long-term future. “If you make the issue partisan, you hurt the cause of helping Israel.”

In the coming days, the White House plans to welcome a team of senior military and intelligence officers from Israel.

Netanyahu has called for a ground invasion of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, saying that without it it remains impossible to defeat Hamas.

However, President Joe Biden’s team has raised serious concerns as Rafah is currently home to over a million displaced Palestinians and serves as a key access route for humanitarian aid.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s team also says he plans to meet with his Israeli counterpart at the Pentagon sometime next week.