It's that time again, folks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24. After all, who can resist the thrill of prime-time political theatre mixed with a dash of international intrigue? The invite comes from no less than the top four leaders in Congress — House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Apparently, inviting global leaders is one of the few things they can all agree on these days (NBC; CBS; Fox).

But don't pop the popcorn just yet. Several Democrats intend to boycott the speech, citing grievances over Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict (NBC; CBS). It's not a complete surprise when figures like Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin and Sen. Bernie Sanders opt for a quiet evening in instead of attending. Even Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed her concerns, which means she may also be a no-show (CBS).

The formal invitation to Netanyahu was extended on May 31, likely expediting a flurry of last-minute vacation requests from certain members of Congress and their exhausted staffers (NBC). Given the current political climate, this address is expected to be contentious, drawing both protests inside and outside of the Capitol (Fox).

What's more, President Joe Biden has not exactly been Netanyahu’s biggest cheerleader. Biden criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict and emphasized the need for more humanitarian aid to flow into the war-torn region (NBC; Fox). On the very day Congress invited Netanyahu, Biden announced that Israel had proposed a three-part plan for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Spoiler alert: Netanyahu called this proposal a 'nonstarter' unless certain conditions are met (NBC; Fox).

This address promises to be a grand affair, likely to be remembered as much for what is said as for who walks out halfway through. Seriously, Punchbowl News must have been practically giddy to break the story (NBC; CBS). The last time Netanyahu graced the hallowed halls of Congress was back in 2015 when he waxed poetic — and then some — about opposing the nuclear deal with Iran (CBS). This time around, he's set to present 'the truth about our just war' against Hamas (CBS).

For those attending, be prepared for key insights, power naps, and possibly an impromptu protest sign or two. For those choosing to tune in from home, well, at least you can change the channel if things get too heavy. Either way, mark your calendars — you won't want to miss this latest episode in the ongoing reality show that is global politics.