In a landmark speech to the US Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “our enemies are your enemies,” aiming to garner support for the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu emphasized the shared struggle between Israel and the United States, stating, “When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America.” He framed the conflict as a collective fight for both nations, asserting that “our victory will be your victory.”
The speech, Netanyahu’s fourth to a joint session of Congress, was met with a mostly positive reception from Republican lawmakers. However, the political divide was evident as many Democratic members of Congress chose to absent themselves, and thousands of protesters gathered outside the Capitol.
The demonstrations included signs branding Netanyahu a “wanted war criminal,” in reference to an arrest warrant sought by the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor.
Inside the Capitol, five individuals were arrested for attempting to disrupt the address. Netanyahu criticized the protesters, calling them “useful idiots” of Iran. He portrayed the conflict as part of a larger struggle against an “axis of terror” led by Iran, which he claimed threatens the US, Israel, and the Arab world.
Netanyahu also accused Iran of seeking to challenge the US by first dominating the Middle East, positioning Israel as the key democratic ally standing against this threat.
Throughout his over-hour-long speech, Netanyahu deflected criticism of Israel and depicted the Gaza conflict as a crucial battle for survival, appealing for additional US military support.
In his address to Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the US for its “generous military assistance” over the years, emphasizing that Israel’s intelligence sharing has “saved many lives” in return.
He urged for a “fast-tracking” of US military aid to hasten the end of the Gaza conflict and prevent a wider regional war, invoking British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s World War II plea: “Give us the tools and we’ll finish the job.”
Netanyahu briefly touched on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, asserting that Israel provides sufficient food aid to ensure each resident receives 3,000 calories daily, attributing any shortages to Hamas allegedly stealing the aid.
He proposed that Gaza should be transformed into a “demilitarized and deradicalized” zone under Israeli military control with a civilian administration led by Palestinians who do not aim to destroy Israel. He did not address the potential for a two-state solution, a position supported by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The speech saw several standing ovations, but also notable absences, including 39 lawmakers, mostly Democrats, such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who deemed Netanyahu’s visit “inappropriate.”
Vice President Harris was reportedly absent due to a scheduling conflict. During the speech, Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib displayed a sign labeling Netanyahu as “guilty of genocide” and a “war criminal.”
Netanyahu also thanked former President Donald Trump for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He is set to meet Trump in Florida later this week.
In Israel, families of hostages held in Gaza gathered in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech as it was broadcast. The event was silent, with the audio muted but the English speech displayed with Hebrew subtitles.
After the speech, the Israeli army announced the retrieval of two hostages’ bodies, Maya Goren and Oren Goldin, from Gaza. This news highlighted the deepening despair among hostage families as lengthy negotiations have yet to yield results.
Netanyahu’s address came nine months into Israel’s campaign in Gaza, which has claimed over 39,000 lives according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The campaign began in response to an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
