US House speaker postpones address to Israeli Knesset

WASHINGTON

US House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that he has postponed a trip to Israel, where he was scheduled to address the Knesset, or parliament, on June 22.

"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," Johnson said in a statement.

"We look forward to rescheduling the address in the near future and send our prayers to the people of Israel and the Middle East," he added.

The US State Department earlier Monday updated its travel advisory for Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, warning Americans not to travel to the region due to heightened security risks.

Tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes and drone attacks on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since then.

Iran said that at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.