Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US Congress, urging support for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, framing it as a shared fight against a common enemy.
He received a mixed reception, with Republican lawmakers applauding while many Democrats boycotted the speech or criticized it. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred inside and outside the Capitol, with five arrests made.
Netanyahu accused protesters of being “Iran’s useful idiots” and emphasized the threat of an “axis of terror” led by Iran.
He thanked the US for military aid and requested faster aid delivery to help end the war. However, his speech was criticized by Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, who called it the “worst presentation” by a foreign dignitary.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was barely addressed, and Netanyahu’s vision for the region did not include a two-state solution, differing from the views of President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
