IRIA News

In a charged speech to Congress on July 24, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and sharply criticized American opponents of the Gaza war as “idiots.” As U.S. lawmakers cheered Netanyahu’s speech, thousands protested in Washington to call for an end to the Gaza war and rebuke the Israeli prime minister as a ‘war criminal’.

Netanyahu emphasized the strong ties between the U.S. and Israel, stating, “America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose.” However, his remarks also included derisive comments towards U.S. protesters, calling them “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries.

The speech also met with the stony silence of many leading Democrats. Among the most notable reactions was Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who held a sign reading “WAR CRIMINAL” and “GUILTY OF GENOCIDE,” reflecting her strong opposition to Netanyahu’s stance.

Over 60 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahu’s speech. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress.”

The absence of Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Patty Murray was also noted, with Sen. Ben Cardin stepping in as “senator pro tempore.”

Netanyahu’s speech, during his first trip abroad since the war began, did not mention U.S.-led efforts for a cease-fire or hostage release, though he did praise former President Donald Trump, lauding his contributions to Israel. Netanyahu will also meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on July 26.

Protests

Outside the Capitol, thousands of protesters condemned the war and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Some protests turned chaotic, with demonstrators near Union Station spray-painting statuary and replacing American flags with Palestinian ones. Security forces clashed with protesters, using batons and tear gas.

Families of American hostages in Gaza expressed profound disappointment with Netanyahu’s speech, criticizing his failure to commit to a hostage deal. Their joint statement highlighted a call from Israeli defense and intelligence officials for Netanyahu to engage in negotiations.

Netanyahu’s visit comes amid political turmoil in the U.S., including an assassination attempt on Trump and Biden’s decision not to seek another term. The visit also faces the shadow of arrest warrants sought by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes. The United States does not recognize the ICC.

Despite the controversies, Netanyahu’s appearance aimed to portray him as a respected statesman on the global stage. However, growing numbers of Israelis and international observers accuse him of prolonging the war to avoid a likely fall from power post-conflict.

Meetings with Biden and Harris

U.S. President Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on July 25. Both leaders discussed developments in Gaza and the ongoing negotiations on the ceasefire and hostage release deal in detail, according to the White House statement.

During the meeting, U.S. President Biden expressed the need to “close the remaining gaps, finalize the deal as soon as possible, bring the hostages home, and reach a durable end to the war in Gaza.”

Biden also raised the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and highlighted the need to “remove any obstacles to the flow of aid and restoring basic services” for those in need, as well as the “critical importance of protecting civilian lives during military operations”.

From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist – I thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel. pic.twitter.com/neDIHRPKtF

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 25, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also held a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris. The U.S. Vice President reiterated her “longstanding and unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel and the people of Israel”.

According to the White House statement, both leaders discussed the “Biden-Harris Administration’s work to ensure Israel can defend itself from threats from Iran and Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and the importance of combatting the rise in Antisemitism globally”.

U.S. Vice President Harris expressed her concerns to Netanyahu regarding civilian casualties and discussed the need to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Harris also expressed concerns regarding Israeli settlers’ “actions that undermine stability and security in the West Bank, such as extremist settler violence and settlement expansion”.