John Boehner to give Benjamin Netanyahu a bust of Winston Churchill

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s steps before a joint gathering of Congress on Tuesday, every word he says will be parsed. But there’s more to it than a speech. This is an event with pomp and circumstance — like the welcome gift, for example. Mr. Boehner will personally present Mr. Netanyahu with a bust of Winston Churchill. This is, after all, the prime minister’s third time before both House an Senate; he also appeared in 1996 and 2011. Churchill is the only other dignitary to be triple hitter.

Now comes part two: Mr. Netanyahu must make his way to the podium. Easier said than done. According to protocol dating back to the 19th century, Mr. Boehner must bang his trusty gavel, then introduce dignitaries and members of the White House cabinet. If they’re present, of course. Then Mr. Netanyahu steps forward, escorted by the House and Senate sergeants at arms. And among the many guests in the audience: Newt Gingrich and Elie Wiesel, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Gold Medal, and Hollywood conservative Pat Boone.

“Given the ties between America and Israel, it’s no surprise that interest in attending the speech is high. We’ve had 10 times the number of requests for tickets than there are seats available in the gallery. In fact, demand is so overwhelming that both the House and Senate have set up separate viewing locations, which are also ticketed events,” Mr. Boehner advises.