Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed for unity from lawmakers on Wednesday as he addressed a divided US Congress regarding his military campaign in Gaza. The rift between the nations is deepening over the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
Israeli PM Appeals
Washington has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s nine-month war in Gaza, while protests in Israel by families of hostages taken by Hamas are adding pressure on Netanyahu domestically.
Despite some US lawmakers boycotting the speech in protest, Netanyahu received a warm welcome from Republicans upon entering the chamber.
“For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together,” Netanyahu stated.
He also criticized Iran, calling it a supporter of Hamas. “Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror confronts America, Israel, and our Arab friends,” Netanyahu said. “This is not a clash of civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization.”
Outside the US Capitol, thousands of protesters attempted to march on the government seat but were kept away by police using pepper spray. Netanyahu drew boos for labeling the protesters as “Iran’s useful idiots.”
His visit coincides with political turmoil in the United States, including a gunman targeting Republican candidate Donald Trump and President Joe Biden endorsing his deputy, Kamala Harris, for the 2024 White House race.
Biden will meet with Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, as well as reaffirm Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security. Harris will hold separate talks with Netanyahu but missed his speech due to travel commitments.
An Israeli government spokesman downplayed Harris’s absence, stating the speech was “bigger than any individual.” Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet Trump in Florida on Friday.
Netanyahu’s address marked his fourth to a joint meeting of the US Congress, surpassing Britain’s Winston Churchill. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of standing with Israel amid attacks from Iranian proxies.
However, Netanyahu’s support has waned among some liberal lawmakers. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and several senior Democrats, including Dick Durbin and Nancy Pelosi, announced they would skip the speech.
Protests erupted downtown, with demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and calling for an end to US aid to Israel, labeling Netanyahu a “war criminal.”
Israel’s intensified attacks on Gaza aim to free hostages and defeat Hamas, which launched a surprise attack on October 7, resulting in 1,197 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Hamas militants also seized 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 44 dead, according to the Israeli military.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has resulted in at least 39,090 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
While Biden publicly supports Israel, he has expressed concern over attacks on southern Gaza and suspended a shipment of bombs over fears of civilian casualties. Despite tensions, US-Israeli military relations remain strong.
Steven Cook, a Middle East specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted the unprecedented tension between the White House and Netanyahu. “There is clearly tension in the relationship,” Cook said.