Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met yesterday, before his speech to the US Congress, with the leaders of both houses – House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.https://t.co/jXhZt2BfHj pic.twitter.com/9o2rcGADd2
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 25, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, marking his fourth speech to U.S. lawmakers. The event drew both support and criticism, with notable absences and protests highlighting the divisions within American politics regarding Israel. Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, attended the speech as Netanyahu’s guest, sitting alongside the prime minister’s wife and Israeli soldiers in the visitors’ gallery.
WATCH: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Address Before a Joint Meeting of the US Congresshttps://t.co/C1X0gzgnqG
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 25, 2024
Musk’s presence came a day after he announced that his satellite internet company, Starlink, had been activated in a Gaza hospital with the support of Israel and the United Arab Emirates. More than 30 members of Congress, including Vice President Kamala Harris, did not attend the address. Many skipped the event in protest of Netanyahu’s approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and the taking of hostages by Hamas.
“Never again is now,” said @IsraeliPM during his joint address to #Congress. The PM highlighted the importance of a strong US-Israel relationship in successfully defeating Hamas terrorists and combating the alarming anti-Zionism and antisemitism worldwide. https://t.co/xv4bSiszRm
— Hadassah (@Hadassah) July 24, 2024
Netanyahu addressed the protesters in his speech, calling them “Iran’s useful idiots” and accusing them of not understanding the complexities of the situation. He also drew parallels between the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and historical events like Pearl Harbor and 9/11.
Despite the absences and protests, Netanyahu entered the House floor to loud applause and cheering.
Netanyahu’s controversial Congress address
He expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for his long-standing friendship and support for Israel, while also thanking former President Donald Trump.
The prime minister criticized the International Criminal Court for its actions against Israeli leaders and disputed claims that Israel deliberately targeted Palestinian civilians. He asserted that warnings were given before airstrikes and accused Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid, although some organizations have contested these claims. Families of American hostages attended the speech, hoping to pressure Netanyahu into securing a peace deal.
They expressed frustration that the prime minister chose to deliver the address instead of staying in Israel to negotiate their release. Progressive lawmakers, such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib, protested during the speech, with Tlaib holding up a sign reading “War criminal.” The address highlighted the contentious nature of U.S.-Israeli relations amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and deepened divisions within the Democratic Party over Netanyahu’s war policies.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s absence from the speech has been interpreted by some as a symbolic move, potentially signaling a shift in U.S. policy toward Israel under new Democratic leadership. Critics view her decision to attend an event in Indiana as a calculated political move to appeal to progressive and pro-Palestinian constituents. As the political landscape shifts with the upcoming presidential elections, Harris’s decisions and public statements regarding Israel will be closely watched, offering insight into her approach towards the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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