Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a powerful speech to US lawmakers, rallying support for the war in Gaza by declaring, “our enemies are your enemies.” Despite receiving a raucous reception from mostly Republican politicians, the speech was marked by protests both inside and outside the Capitol.
Netanyahu emphasized the threat posed by Iran, calling it the “most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America.” He framed the conflict in Gaza as a battle for survival for Israel, seeking further US military aid to expedite an end to the war.
However, the growing political divisions over the war were evident as dozens of Democratic members of Congress deliberately chose not to attend, and thousands of protesters gathered outside the Capitol. Some protesters even attempted to disrupt Netanyahu’s address, leading to five arrests.
The Israeli leader’s speech also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Netanyahu blaming Hamas for any lack of food aid reaching the residents. He outlined his vision for a post-war Gaza Strip, calling for a demilitarized enclave under Israeli military control.
Despite the controversy surrounding his visit, Netanyahu also thanked former President Donald Trump for his support of Israel, including moving the American embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The speech came at a critical time in Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with the Israeli military launching a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to attacks on southern Israel. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and hostages, with families of hostages in Israel expressing growing despair over the situation.
Overall, Netanyahu’s address to Congress highlighted the complex and contentious nature of the conflict in Gaza, as well as the deep political divisions both in the US and Israel.
