Addressing a Republican Jewish Coalition gathering in Las Vegas, House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that “peace is on the way to Israel and the hostages are home.”

Originally scheduled to appear in person, Johnson instead joined the annual Leadership Summit Saturday morning at The Venetian through a live video feed.

He said he had to keep his Washington, D.C., post as the government shutdown entered its second month.

In a conversation with the organization’s leadership, the Republican leader answered questions about the U.S.-Israel relationship, antisemitism, the government shutdown and the 2026 midterm elections, while chastising Democrats.

Speaking about Israel, Johnson said it was “pragmatic” to “support the only stable democracy in the Middle East.”

Meanwhile, he credited the Rep

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