New House Speaker Vows Support for Israel, Unveils Plan

In his first public event as Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson declares: ‘There will be a ceasefire only when Hamas ceases to be a threat to Israel.’

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 26, 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS—Just four days into his new role, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) declared to a largely Jewish audience, “We are going to stand like a rock with our friend and our ally, Israel.”

Mr. Johnson, who was elected to the role on Oct. 25, three weeks after the historic ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), said his actions demonstrate how committed he is to Israel in its war against Hamas terrorists.