Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress urging America to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel as they battle Hamas. There were scenes of tension as several Democrats boycotted the speech and police used pepper spray on protesters outside the Capitol.
Netanyahu to the House and Senate leaders: “Only in the wake of the redeemed power can the forces of civilization defeat the forces of barbarians, and America and Israel shall not surrender.” “When we stand together, something very simple happens: We get the better of them and they are defeated.
Support and criticism
Netanyahu got several standing ovations when he spoke, proving that he was still a very popular leader in America despite increasing concerns about the war. Twenty-four US politicians had declared they would boycott the event in response to the increasing mortality rate of Palestinians and also because of Netanyahu’s policies concerning the war.
Role of Iran in Middle East conflicts
Mr. Netanyahu addressed the protesters, saying, ”You are now officially Iran’s useful idiots.” Addressing Iran in one of many mentions of the country, the Israeli PM identified an “axis of terror” as endangering America, Israel, and the Arab world when he defined the war as a clash of barbarism against civilizations.
It was coined from Iran’s characterization of the “Axis of Resistance,” a Middle Eastern bloc that includes the Palestinian militant faction Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah, and the Shia Houthi militants who control significant portions of Yemen. He said Iranian forces have attacked American interests while stating that Iran believes that in order to challenge the United States, they must first defeat the Middle East.
Alliances
He used the example of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the Second World War, appealing to the Americans to agree to supply them with tools: ‘Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.’ Adding on the plight of Hamas in Gaza, Mr. Netanyahu did not give details but said that Israel supplies much food to Gaza, where every person receives 3,000 calories worth of food. He accused the Western powers of denying food aid to Gazans; if true, then Hamas was the one that was seizing the food. Describing his plan for Gaza after the war, he said that he wanted military rule over Gaza but without the influence of Hamas.
Lack of democratic support and absence
The majority of them were Democrats, which is perhaps explainable by the reaction of the former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said that the visit of Mr. Netanyahu was inappropriate. Ms. Harris was not available for the meeting, possibly because of some other engagements she might have had at that time.
People also saw the ‘impeachment is ecstasy’ jersey throughout the speech, especially when Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American congresswoman, was waving a sign that said ‘guilty of genocide’ and ‘war criminal’.
Influential figures
Billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who supports Trump and his running mate JD Vance, was in attendance as he had been invited by Netanyahu. Netanyahu extended a warm welcome to Biden as a proud Zionist in his speech, yet Netanyahu has not hidden his fondness for Trump and planned to meet with him on Friday at the latter’s residence in Florida.
Ongoing conflict situation
Two days later, in effect of the speech, the Israeli army stated that it had identified the bodies of two hostages, Maya Goren and Oren Goldin, in Gaza. The prime minister’s address to Congress happened nine months into Israel’s war in Gaza which has claimed the lives of more than 39,000, according to a figure from the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. The announcement was accompanied by many families of prisoners deepening their pessimism towards the thought of seeing their loved ones alive again, despite speaking to Hamas concerning a ceasefire and hostage exchange that has not shown any positivity.
About the Author
Ms Yogya Reddy is an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA, studying International Relations and affairs. She is passionate about global democracy and politics. She also enjoys working on research and writing.
