Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses US Congress amid tense protests
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced protests both inside and outside the US Congress, where he gave a historic speech.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told a joint session of the US Congress that he will accept “nothing less” than “total victory” in the war against Hamas.
That means recovering all the hostages still being held by Hamas, destroying the terrorist group’s military capability, and ending its rule over the Gaza Strip.
“Israel does not seek to settle Gaza,” Mr Netanyahu said.
“But for the foreseeable future, we must retain overriding security control there to prevent the resurgence of terror, to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”
He said a “demilitarised and de-radicalised Gaza” could expect “a future of security, prosperity and peace”, but that requires a government run by civilians “who don’t seek to destroy Israel”.
‘War criminal’: Protests inside and outside Congress
Mr Netanyahu’s address had generated controversy before he even opened his mouth, with roughly half of the Democratic Party’s members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate choosing not to attend.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now campaigning to be the next president, was also absent., along with Republican Senator J.D. Vance, who was recently chosen to be Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee.
President Joe Biden and Ms Harris are both expected to meet privately with Mr Netanyahu on Thursday, US time.
Inside the chamber, left-wing Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib held up a sign during Mr Netanyahu’s speech bearing the words “war criminal”. Ms Tlaib is the only Palestinian-American member of Congress.
Before the Prime Minister spoke, a small number of people were arrested by Capitol Police. Among them was Carmit Katzir, whose father was murdered and mother taken hostage during the attack on October 7. Ms Katzir has been critical of Mr Netanyahu’s response to the crisis.
This is the real story of Israel: While Netanyahu gives a smug ass speech in congress - Carmit Palty Katzir, who's father & brother were murdered on October 7th and her mom kidnapped, is arrested by Capitol Police for wearing a shirt demanding Netanyahu to "Seal the deal" pic.twitter.com/LQ8pjTwVgF
— Alon-Lee Green - ألون-لي جرين - ×לון-לי גרין 🟣 (@AlonLeeGreen) July 24, 2024
Outside, in the streets near the Capitol Building, protesters gathered in their thousands to demonstrate against the Israeli Prime Minister.
The protesters were kept at least a block away by police, who fired pepper spray at them, and were eventually dispersed.
But there were several clashes with law enforcement, and at one point, a group outside the American capital’s main train station burned an American flag.
Mr Netanyahu addressed the protesters directly during his speech.
“I have a message for these protesters. When the tyrants of Tehran, who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair, are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots,” he said.
“Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming ‘Gays for Gaza’. They might as well hold up signs saying ‘Chickens for KFC’.”
Iran featured several times in Mr Netanyahu’s remarks, as he advocated for a US and Israeli led “security alliance” to “counter the growing Iranian threat”.
“All countries that are in peace with Israel, and all those countries who will make peace with Israel, should be invited to join this alliance,” he said.
“Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory.”
He received a standing ovation from the members of Congress present.
Mr Netanyahu praised both Mr Biden and Mr Trump for their efforts towards achieving peace in the Middle East and their support for Israel. He said he was “confident” in Israel’s capacity to rescue the 114 hostages who remain in Gaza.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed an estimated 39,000 people.
Mr Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to address four joint sessions of Congress, surpassing Britain’s former prime minister Winston Churchill.
‘The worst by far’: Senior Democrats slam PM
Some Democrats registered their disapproval of Mr Netanyahu through their silent absence. Others actively spoke out against him.
“Benjamin Netanyahu’s presentation in the House chamber today was by the far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honoured with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States,” former speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
“Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terror attack and kidnappings. These families are asking for a ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home – and we hope the Prime Minister would spend his time achieving that goal.”
Ms Pelosi, who served as speaker for eight years, remains among the most powerful Democrats in Washington, and her influence recently played a pivotal role in convincing President Joe Biden to exit the presidential race.
Congressman Jerry Nadler, who spent Mr Netanyahu’s speech sitting in the audience and pointedly reading a book called The Netanyahu Years, accused him of wanting to maintain the war indefinitely.
“When he talks about the hostages, I don’t believe he has any interest in releasing the hostages because that would hasten the end of the war,” said Mr Nadler.
“That’s why you see hostage negotiations and he keeps adding new conditions, he keeps putting new objections to the hostage deal, and that’s why you see hundreds of thousands of people in Israel protesting against him.
“He will do anything he can to stop a negotiated peace.”
He called Mr Netanyahu’s address “fundamentally dishonest”.
‘Serfs’: Russian soldier’s bombshell video
A soldier’s chilling video filmed from the front line has sparked an investigation, with haunting accusations levelled at Russian commanders rising to the surface.
Politician smashed with chair on live TV
Wild footage has emerged of a candidate for mayor physically attacking his challenger with a chair during a televised debate.
Failed ‘assassin’ had Biden bumper sticker
Alleged would-be Trump assassin Ryan Wesley Routh had a Biden-Harris bumper sticker on a pickup truck at home.