Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday and defended Israel’s military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
He noted that it was his fourth time speaking to Congress. But it was the first time he had done so since Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, when the militant group killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped about 250 others.
One of the rescued Israeli hostages, Noa Argamani, was a guest of Netanyahu who received a standing ovation from Congress, along with several members of the Israel Defense Forces.
Netanyahu has vowed to pursue the war until “total victory” as the Palestinian death toll approaches 40,000 since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The war-torn enclave also faces a in Gaza.
As Netanyahu delivered remarks in the House, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters descended on the Capitol to protest the prime minister’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers also boycotted Netanyahu’s speech for similar reasons.
During his nearly hour-long speech, Netanyahu made no mention of any ceasefire negotiations. Here are some of the other key takeaways from his speech.
Addressed alleged war crimes accusations
In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced that he was seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving the people of Gaza. This is complete and utter nonsense. It is a complete fabrication,” Netanyahu said during his speech.
He also claimed that Israel “allowed more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza” and to enter and accused Hamas of robbing him.
According to 96% of Gaza’s population is “projected to face crises or worse levels of food insecurity.”
The US has repeatedly urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Netanyahu also issued a stern warning, stating: “The ICC is trying to handcuff Israel’s hands and prevent us from defending ourselves. And if Israel’s hands are tied, America will be next.”
Netanyahu called on the US to expedite military aid
Netanyahu told Congress that if the US accelerates military aid to Israel, it could “dramatically accelerate the end of the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East.”
The Israeli prime minister invoked the words of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who asked for US help during World War II, when he said: “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.”
He added: “I also appeal to America: give us the tools faster and we will finish the job faster.”
Pro-Palestine protesters were attacked
Netanyahu called the pro-Palestine protesters outside the Capitol building “useful idiots of Iran” and said: “As far as we know, Iran is financing the anti-Israel protests that are happening right now, outside this building.”
He also stated that they “chose to remain with evil” and “should be ashamed of themselves.”
Netanyahu thanked Biden – and Trump
Netanyahu thanked President Biden for his “sincere support for Israel,” recognizing the two aircraft carriers sent to the Middle East to prevent a wider regional war.
“He came to Israel to be with us during our darkest moments, a visit that will never be forgotten,” Netanyahu said, thanking Biden for his “tireless efforts” to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas who were kidnapped in October. 7.
Netanyahu also expressed gratitude for all the things former President Donald Trump did for Israel during his tenure in the White House, including “recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, confronting Iran’s aggression, recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and move the American embassy there.” he said.
Netanyahu added that “Israelis were relieved” that Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13.
Said the Israel-Hamas war will continue
Toward the end of his speech, Netanyahu maintained his position that Israel would continue the war “until we destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and its hold on Gaza and bring all our hostages home.”
In a post-Hamas future, Netanyahu said Israel has no interest in resettling Gaza, but will “maintain predominant security control” to prevent the formation of another Hamas.
“My vision for the day is a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza,” he said. “We won’t settle for anything less.”
What is the next?
Kamala Harris, who, as vice president, serves as president of the U.S. Senate, did not attend Wednesday’s speech. She and Biden are expected to meet separately with Netanyahu on Thursday, while the prime minister will meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.
