- Netanyahu defends Gaza war as protesters rally outside US Congress
- Netanyahu’s speech was warmly received by predominantly Republican lawmakers
- Many Democratic members absent and substantial pro-Palestinian protests occurring both inside and outside the Capitol
- Protesters branded Netanyahu a “wanted war criminal,” and five individuals were arrested
- Netanyahu criticised the protesters, labelling them as “Iran’s useful idiots.”
Netanyahu defends Gaza war as protesters rally outside US Congress
In an address to the US Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “our enemies are your enemies,” aiming to garner US support for the war against Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu’s speech was warmly received by predominantly Republican lawmakers, marking his fourth address to a joint session of Congress.
“When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America,” Netanyahu said.
“Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory,” he added.
However, the event highlighted political divisions, with many Democratic members absent and substantial pro-Palestinian protests occurring both inside and outside the Capitol. Protesters branded Netanyahu a “wanted war criminal,” and five individuals were arrested for attempting to disrupt the speech. Netanyahu criticised the protesters, labelling them as “Iran’s useful idiots.”
He warned of an “axis of terror” led by Iran, posing threats to the US, Israel, and the Arab world, and claimed that Iranian proxy forces had attacked American targets. Netanyahu framed the Gaza conflict as part of Israel’s survival struggle and appealed for expedited US military aid to help conclude the war and prevent a broader regional conflict.
Netanyahu did not discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at length, except to maintain that Israel delivers enough food aid to provide each person with 3,000 calories. If Gaza’s residents were not getting food, he said, it was because “Hamas steals it”.