Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the US Congress on July 24, 2024 in Washington DC. (Credit: Roberto Schmidt/AFP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a nearly hour-long speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, receiving numerous lengthy and enthusiastic ovations from the predominantly Republican audience. This address, Netanyahu’s fourth to Congress, marks the highest number of speeches given by a foreign leader in Congress throughout history.
In his speech, Netanyahu strongly defended the ongoing war in Gaza, which has lasted over nine months. He avoided discussing post-war plans, providing vague responses on the topic. Notably absent from his speech was any offer of political concessions to the Palestinians, with no mention of a two-state solution. While Netanyahu received substantial applause from much of the audience, about sixty Democratic legislators boycotted the speech. Additionally, thousands of protesters, waving Palestinian flags, marched in Washington, accusing Netanyahu of committing "genocide" against the Palestinians. Key points from Netanyahu’s address include:
Triumphant reception amid congressional divide
Netanyahu was frequently applauded by the predominantly Republican lawmakers, although his speech occurred amid significant division in Congress over the Gaza war. A few Republican lawmakers, including Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, boycotted the address. JD Vance, an Ohio senator and Trump’s vice-presidential pick, was also absent, citing campaign duties.
Among Democrats, about sixty legislators skipped the speech in protest, while Vice President Kamala Harris – now a presidential candidate after Joe Biden’s withdrawal – was traveling in Indiana. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American congresswoman, attended with a keffiyeh and held signs reading "Guilty of Genocide," on one side and "War Criminal," on the other.
Acknowledgment of Biden and Trump
Seeking bipartisan support, Netanyahu refrained from criticizing Democratic President Joe Biden, with whom relations have soured since the Gaza war began. Netanyahu thanked Biden for his "tireless efforts" regarding hostages. He also expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump, condemning a recent "vile" assassination attempt against him.
Netanyahu’s speech aimed to reinforce the alliance between Washington and its key regional ally, asserting that an "Israeli victory" would also be a win for the U.S., and stressing the importance of unity between the two nations.
Existential war
Netanyahu described the Gaza war as "existential" for both Israel and its ally, framing it as part of a broader conflict between Iran and the U.S. He characterized it as a clash "between barbarism and civilization," rather than a "clash of civilizations."
Netanyahu criticized Iran for attempting to impose "radical Islam" globally and viewing the U.S. as its main adversary. He called for a "military Abrahamic alliance" with "moderate" Arab states against Tehran, referring to the normalization agreements signed between Israel and several regional countries in 2020. Netanyahu also accused Washington protesters of being "Iran's useful idiots."
A long war in Gaza
Netanyahu reiterated his war goals in Gaza, including the defeat of Hamas. He stated that the war would end immediately if Hamas surrendered, disarmed, and released all hostages. "If not, Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its power in Gaza and bring all our hostages home," he declared. His comments suggest the war may continue as he is not rushing to secure a hostage release or a cease-fire, as urged by the U.S.
Netanyahu also suggested that a "new Gaza" could emerge if the territory were "demilitarized and de-radicalized," drawing parallels with post-World War II Germany and Japan. "This led to decades of peace, prosperity, and security," he added.
He remained vague about post-war plans for Gaza, however, stated that he supports a "civil administration led by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel." He clarified that Israel does not aim to "settle" Gaza. "In the near future, we will need to maintain predominant security control to prevent the resurgence of violence and ensure Gaza never again threatens Israel," he said.
Defense: Israel above all
Amid criticism of the military and domestic polarization in Israel, Netanyahu emphasized unity in defending the country. He notably introduced an Ethiopian-origin soldier and a Bedouin Muslim soldier who accompanied him.
Facing a request from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for arrest warrants against him and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity," Netanyahu defended himself against these charges and those from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Gaza war conduct. "The ICC prosecutor has shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving Gaza’s population. This is utter nonsense. It is a pure fabrication," Netanyahu argued.
According to an April analysis by Oxfam, based on United Nations data, northern Gaza residents were surviving on just 245 calories per day, well below recommendations. "Despite all the lies you have heard, the Gaza war has one of the lowest combatant-to-civilian casualty rates in urban warfare history," Netanyahu claimed.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour