Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed US lawmakers in a landmark speech to Congress, seeking support for the war against Hamas in Gaza, amid significant pro-Palestinian protests both inside and outside the Capitol.
Netanyahu’s Rallying Cry
“Our enemies are your enemies,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing the shared threat between Israel and the United States. “When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America,” he added. “Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory.”
Netanyahu received an enthusiastic reception from mostly Republican politicians during his fourth speech to a joint session of Congress. In stark contrast, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the address on social media, calling it “the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited to address Congress.”
Political Divisions and Protests
Pelosi, who did not attend the speech, met with Israelis affected by the October 7 Hamas attack instead. She urged Netanyahu to focus on a “ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home.” The deepening political divisions over the Gaza war were evident as dozens of Democratic lawmakers were absent, and thousands of protesters gathered outside.
Banners labeled Netanyahu a “wanted war criminal,” referencing an arrest warrant sought by the International Criminal Court. Five people were arrested inside the Capitol for attempting to disrupt Netanyahu’s address. In response to the protesters, Netanyahu remarked, “You have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.”
Iran and the “Axis of Terror”
Netanyahu repeatedly referenced Iran, claiming an “axis of terror” threatens the US, Israel, and the Arab world. He framed the conflict as a “clash of barbarism against civilizations,” echoing Iran’s “axis of resistance,” which includes groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
He warned Congress that Iranian proxy forces had attacked American targets, asserting that Iran aims to “conquer the Middle East” before challenging America. “But in the heart of the Middle East, standing in Iran’s way, is one proud pro-American democracy: my country, the state of Israel,” Netanyahu declared.
Appeal for US Military Aid
Netanyahu spoke for over an hour, defending Israel and framing the Gaza conflict as a fight for survival. He thanked the US for its “generous military assistance” and called for expedited aid to end the Gaza war and prevent a broader regional conflict. Quoting Winston Churchill, he appealed, “Give us the tools and we’ll finish the job.”
He briefly addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, claiming that Israel provides enough food aid but alleging that “Hamas steals it.”
Vision for Post-War Gaza
Netanyahu outlined his vision for Gaza post-war, advocating for “a demilitarized and deradicalized” enclave under Israeli control. “Gaza should have a civilian administration run by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel. That’s not too much to ask,” he said. However, he did not mention a two-state solution, which President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris support.
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Divided Reception
Despite several standing ovations, the absence of at least 39 lawmakers, mostly Democrats, was notable. Among them was Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib, who held a placard reading “guilty of genocide” and “war criminal” during the speech.
Netanyahu also acknowledged former President Donald Trump, thanking him for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The two are scheduled to meet in Florida later this week.
Reactions in Israel
In Israel, families of hostages held in Gaza watched the speech in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, showing growing despair over the stalled negotiations for their loved ones’ release. Shortly after Netanyahu’s speech, the Israeli army announced it had retrieved the bodies of two hostages, Maya Goren and Oren Goldin, from Gaza.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s address to Congress comes nine months into Israel’s Gaza campaign, which has resulted in over 39,000 deaths according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The campaign was launched in response to an unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken.