In a landmark speech to Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to rally support for the war against Hamas in Gaza. His address was marked by a raucous reception from mostly Republican politicians, but also by significant protests both inside and outside the Capitol.
“When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America,” Mr. Netanyahu declared. “Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory.”
The Israeli leader’s speech, his fourth to a joint session of Congress, was met with a mix of applause and criticism. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat and former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, was notably absent. She criticized the address on X, stating, “Benjamin Netanyahu’s presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.”
Ms. Pelosi instead met with Israelis affected by the 7 October Hamas attack, expressing hope for a ceasefire deal that would bring the hostages home.
The political divisions over the war in Gaza were evident, with dozens of Democratic members of Congress deliberately absent and thousands of protesters gathered outside. Crowds held banners, including one labeling the Israeli leader a “wanted war criminal,” referencing an arrest warrant sought by the International Criminal Court.
Addressing the protesters, Mr. Netanyahu said, “You have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.” He framed the conflict as a “clash of barbarism against civilizations,” invoking an “axis of terror” that threatens the US, Israel, and the Arab world.
Speaking for over an hour, Mr. Netanyahu deflected criticism of Israel and framed the war in Gaza as his country’s battle for survival, making a pitch for further US military aid. He thanked the US for decades of “generous military assistance” and called for a process of “fast-tracking” this aid to expedite an end to the war.
Quoting British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he said, “Give us the tools and we’ll finish the job.
Mr. Netanyahu briefly addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asserting that Israel delivers enough food aid to provide each person with 3,000 calories. He blamed Hamas for any shortages, claiming they steal the aid.
Outlining his vision for the Gaza Strip post-war, he called for “a demilitarised and deradicalised” enclave under Israeli military 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.
Notably, Mr. Netanyahu made no reference to the prospect of an eventual two-state solution, a goal supported by President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Dozens of Lawmakers Stay Away
Despite several standing ovations, at least 39 lawmakers were absent from the address, almost all of them Democrats. Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American member of Congress, held a placard reading “guilty of genocide” and “war criminal” throughout the speech.
Conscious of a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, Mr. Netanyahu thanked the former president for moving the American embassy to Jerusalem and for recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.
Back in Israel, families of hostages still held in Gaza gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to condemn the speech. Shortly after the address, the Israeli army announced it had retrieved the bodies of two hostages, Maya Goren and Oren Goldin, from Gaza.
The prime minister’s address to Congress came nine months into Israel’s campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 39,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
