In his fourth address to a joint session of Congress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a robust speech on Wednesday, emphasizing Iran as the primary instigator of Middle Eastern violence and presenting a vision for post-war Gaza. Netanyahu expressed confidence in reaching a deal for hostage release and ceasefire, despite offering limited details. Nearly two dozen relatives of the 120 hostages in Gaza were present, some visibly unimpressed by Netanyahu’s assurances.
Amidst standing ovations, predominantly from Republicans, Netanyahu recounted Israel’s trauma from the October 7 Hamas attack and reaffirmed his commitment to rescuing all hostages, thanking President Joe Biden for his efforts.
However, a group of hostage relatives, wearing bright yellow “Seal the Deal Now” t-shirts, made their dissatisfaction known and three were removed from the chamber.
Netanyahu denounced Iran as the mastermind behind regional terrorism, stating that America and Israel must stand united against the “clash between barbarism and civilization.” He compared the October 7 attack to significant historical events like September 11 and Pearl Harbor, describing the atrocities committed by Hamas.
Highlighting the efforts of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to minimize civilian casualties, Netanyahu defended Israel’s conduct in Gaza, countering accusations from the International Criminal Court (ICC). He stressed that Israel’s actions have resulted in one of the lowest civilian casualty rates in urban warfare.
Netanyahu accused the ICC of attempting to hinder Israel’s right to self-defense and dismissed allegations of starving Gazans as baseless, blaming Hamas for any shortages.
Addressing the protests against him outside the Capitol, Netanyahu criticized those he claimed were supporting Hamas, labeling them as “useful idiots” influenced by Iran. He condemned the rise of antisemitism in the US and the lack of definitive responses from elite university leaders.
Netanyahu also outlined his vision for Gaza after Hamas, advocating for a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza under a civilian administration not hostile to Israel.
As he concluded, Palestinian-American lawmaker Rashida Tlaib quietly protested with a sign accusing Netanyahu of genocide, adding a contentious note to the prime minister’s impassioned address.
