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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a strongly worded speech to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, defending Israel’s war in Gaza and condemning American protesters. The speech was boycotted by many senior Democratic lawmakers and was accompanied by a protest outside the Capitol, attended by thousands of people condemning the Gaza war and the humanitarian crisis it has caused.
Netanyahu vowed that Israel would continue the war until “complete victory.” He also called on the United States to provide stronger support for Iran’s fight against Hamas and other Iranian-backed armed groups, and strongly condemned the growing anti-war sentiment in the United States.
“The United States and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, something very simple happens: we win and they lose,” Mr Netanyahu said.
His speech quickly turned somber as he defended his country, but also sharply criticized those protesting the war, referring to demonstrators outside the Capitol as “useful idiots” serving Israel’s opponents.
His speech received thunderous applause in Congress, but heavyweight Democrats remained silent and did not stand up to cheer his support.
The hall was attended by former hostages and their families, and lawmakers from both parties gave Israeli leaders standing ovations several times, while some protesters who stood up to demand a ceasefire and the release of all hostages were kicked out.
Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan who has family on the West Coast, held a sign that read “War Criminal” in tears. Ms. Tlaib was condemned last year for her harsh criticism of Israel.
As criticism of him grows in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to portray himself as a politician respected by Israel’s most important allies.
That goal is complicated by Americans’ increasingly conflicted views on Israel and the war, which has become a key issue in the U.S. presidential election.
Mr Netanyahu’s visit comes as his country faces pressure to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas, and amid political uncertainty ahead of the US presidential election in November.
Mr Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers, who invited him to address Congress.
“Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel,” Johnson said shortly before Netanyahu spoke.
With Wednesday’s speech, Netanyahu becomes the first foreign leader since Winston Churchill to address a joint session of Congress four times.
More than 50 Democrats boycotted Mr. Netanyahu’s speech. The most notable absence was Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as Senate president. She said previously scheduled campaign travel prevented her from attending.
Johnson criticised her absence as “inexcusable”.
Republican vice presidential candidate and Republican Senator Cyrus Vance also did not attend the hearing.
Mr Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Joe Biden and Ms Harris on Thursday and Democratic nominee Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.
The war began with a Hamas attack on Israel in early October that killed 1,200 people. Israel has launched ground and air strikes that have killed more than 39,000 people, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants.
Many protesters condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza. Others said Netanyahu has been unable to release Israeli and American hostages held by Hamas.
Many Democrats who support Israel but are critical of Netanyahu viewed the speech as an attempt by Republicans to portray themselves as the party more loyal to Israel.
Despite their criticism of Mr Netanyahu, many Democrats attended the speech, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel in a speech in March.
This is Mr Netanyahu’s first trip abroad since the war began.
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