Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing a joint session of Congress for the fourth time, delivered a forceful speech on Wednesday, identifying Iran as the primary instigator of violence in the Middle East. He also laid out his vision for postwar Gaza and emphasized the need for American-Israeli unity.
In a speech that drew frequent applause, Netanyahu expressed “confidence” in reaching a hostage release and ceasefire deal but provided few details. Nearly two dozen relatives of the 120 captives still held in Gaza watched from the gallery. Republicans were particularly enthusiastic in their support, with standing ovations punctuating the prime minister’s remarks. Netanyahu highlighted some of the hostage families in the audience and vowed to secure their release, thanking US President Joe Biden for his tireless efforts.
Netanyahu accused Iran of being behind “all the terrorism, turmoil, chaos, and killing,” claiming America is the “guardian of Western civilization” against Iran’s radical Islamic agenda. He quoted a Hezbollah official, stating, “The main war, the real war, is with America.” Netanyahu argued that Iran’s axis of terror confronts America, Israel, and Arab allies, framing it as a clash between barbarism and civilization.
On the other hand, many relatives of American captives showed disapproval. The parents of hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Omer Neutra remained seated despite Netanyahu’s pledge. About 10 other hostage relatives wore bright yellow t-shirts reading “Seal the Deal Now” under their suits and stood at various moments to draw attention to themselves. Three were forcibly removed and detained by law enforcement.
Netanyahu accused Iran of being behind “all the terrorism, turmoil, chaos, and killing,” claiming America is the “guardian of Western civilization” against Iran’s radical Islamic agenda. He argued that Iran’s axis of terror confronts America, Israel, and Arab allies, framing it as a clash between barbarism and civilization.
Comparing the October 7 Hamas attack to September 11 and Pearl Harbor, Netanyahu described it as “a day that will live forever in infamy,” detailing horrific acts committed by Hamas. He highlighted the abduction of Noa Argamani, who sat in the audience, and pledged that Israel would always defend itself, citing efforts to protect civilians during the war in Gaza.
Netanyahu criticized the International Criminal Court for attempting to prosecute Israeli leaders and defended Israel’s military actions, claiming the lowest civilian casualty rates in urban warfare. He rejected accusations of starving Gazans and blamed Hamas for civilian suffering.
Protesters gathered outside the Capitol, denouncing Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and calling for a ceasefire. Netanyahu argued that many anti-Israel protesters are unknowingly supporting Hamas, which he described as standing with “rapists and murderers.” In a witty and on-point remark, he mocked the “Gays for Gaza” signs, noting the irony of supporting a group that oppresses LGBTQ+ individuals. “They might as well hold up signs, Chickens for KFC,” he quipped.
Netanyahu condemned rising antisemitism on US campuses and criticized university leaders for not speaking out against calls for genocide. He called for a new Gaza, demilitarized and deradicalized, with a civilian administration run by Palestinians who don’t seek Israel’s destruction.
Addressing Israel’s critics, he stated the war would end if Hamas surrendered, disarmed, and returned all hostages. If not, Israel would continue fighting until Hamas’s military capabilities were destroyed. He promised to ensure Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel, aiming for security, prosperity, and peace.
Netanyahu’s speech, delivered during Israel’s evening prime time, aimed to show him as a respected statesman in Washington, despite plummeting popularity at home. Approximately 70 Democrats boycotted the speech, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who cited a long-scheduled trip. Netanyahu balanced praise for Biden and Trump amidst a bitter election season, subtly urging faster US weapons deliveries.
Netanyahu’s comments reflected a deep partisan divide, with Republicans presenting themselves as staunch supporters of Israel while some Democrats viewed the address as a political maneuver.
Comments