Netanyahu Addresses Congress: 'Our Struggle is Also Yours', Amidst Boycotts and Protests
In a charged atmosphere of political division and public protest, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, delivering an impassioned speech that underscored the complex dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu's address, marked by fervent rhetoric and frequent interruptions of applause from Republican lawmakers, centered on Israel's war efforts in Gaza and the critical importance of U.S. support. "We're not only protecting ourselves. We're protecting you," Netanyahu declared, his voice rising above the chamber. "Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory."
The Israeli Prime Minister's visit to Washington, however, was far from universally welcomed. Outside the heavily guarded Capitol, thousands of protesters gathered, their chants echoing through the streets of downtown Washington. Law enforcement, including officers from the New York Police Department experienced in managing large demonstrations, used pepper spray to control the crowds who accused Netanyahu of committing genocide.
Inside the Capitol, the divisions were equally apparent. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, chose to boycott the speech, citing humanitarian concerns over Israel's conduct in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in an estimated 39,000 Palestinian civilian casualties over its nine-month duration.
Netanyahu's address offered little in the way of new information regarding ceasefire negotiations or the potential return of Israeli hostages, topics many had hoped would be addressed ahead of his scheduled meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday. Instead, he called for "total victory" in the war, a stance that may complicate diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to a close.
The Prime Minister also used the platform to dismiss humanitarian concerns about the civilian population in Gaza, denying that Israel was obstructing food aid shipments to Palestinians. He appealed to the U.S. to expedite military aid to Israel, stating, "Give us the tools and we'll get the job done faster."
Netanyahu's speech was not without its provocative moments. He referred to anti-war college protesters as "Iran's useful idiots" and claimed that "many anti-Israel protesters choose to stand with evil." These statements drew sharp criticism from those who view the conflict through a humanitarian lens.
The address was punctuated by several dramatic moments. Police officers inside the Capitol arrested audience members wearing shirts that read "Seal the deal NOW!" Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American member of Congress, held up a sign reading "war criminal" and "guilty of genocide" during the speech.
Netanyahu's visit to Washington comes at a time of significant political upheaval in the U.S. President Biden's recent announcement that he would not seek re-election and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee has reshaped the political landscape. Harris, notably absent from the House rostrum during Netanyahu's speech, cited a prior engagement.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Washington itinerary includes meetings with both Harris and former President Donald Trump, reflecting the complex political calculations at play. Netanyahu's domestic political ally, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, openly endorsed Trump in the upcoming U.S. elections, adding another layer of complexity to the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
As Netanyahu prepares for his meeting with Biden, attention will focus on discussions about a potential ceasefire deal. A senior Biden administration official indicated that while a framework exists between Israel and Hamas, "some very serious implementation issues still have to be resolved."
Netanyahu's congressional address, while reaffirming the strong ties between Israel and its supporters in the U.S., also highlighted the growing divisions within American politics over the Israel-Gaza conflict. As the war continues and humanitarian concerns mount, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, both diplomatic and moral.