Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday where he claimed that the majority of Americans continue to support Israel and dismiss what he referred to as “Hamas’s lies.”
Netanyahu, quoting a US military analyst, asserted that Israel has exceeded international legal requirements to avoid civilian casualties.
He proposed the formation of a regional alliance to counter Iran’s influence, expressing gratitude to President Biden for his efforts and advocating for the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
“I have a name for this new alliance. I think we should call it the Abraham Alliance,” Netanyahu said, also thanking former President Trump for promoting normalization between Israel and other regional countries.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu’s remarks come as his policies face significant criticism. He commented on escalating attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels and thanked politicians from both Democratic and Republican parties for their consistent support.
“As we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back. And I thank you for it, all sides of the aisle,” he said.
Netanyahu shifted his focus to Hezbollah, linking the group to Iran and warning that Israel might resort to military action if diplomacy fails to resolve border tensions with Lebanon.
He described tens of thousands of Israelis who evacuated their homes near the Lebanon border amid exchanges of fire with Hezbollah as “refugees in their own land,” asserting that Israel will do “whatever it must do” to restore security.
However, these statements come amid ongoing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Rights groups accuse Israel of violating international law, targeting civilians, and creating severe humanitarian crises.
Media reports highlight that significant areas in Gaza are treated as “free fire zones” by Israeli forces, with allegations of systematic targeting of Palestinian children by Israeli snipers.
Contrary to this, numerous rights groups and observers have accused Israel of violating international law by targeting civilians, cutting off essential supplies, displacing over 90% of Gaza’s population, and devastating entire neighborhoods.
Media reports indicate that large parts of Gaza have been designated as “free fire zones” by Israeli forces. Additionally, a US doctor who volunteered in Gaza has alleged that Israeli snipers have systematically targeted Palestinian children.
Despite Netanyahu’s claims of broad US support, a recent Gallup poll found that 48% of Americans disapprove of Israel’s actions in Gaza, while only 42% support them.
Furthermore, a May poll by Data for Progress revealed that around 70% of voters favour a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a measure Netanyahu has firmly rejected.
The Israeli PM also criticised student protesters and college administrators who have resisted calls to suppress campus protests, mockingly comparing LGBTQ activists supporting Palestinian rights to chickens supporting Kentucky Fried Chicken.
He labelled accusations of Israel being racist and genocidal as attempts to delegitimise and demonise the Jewish state and Jews globally, attributing these narratives to a rise in antisemitism.
During Netanyahu’s speech, Representative Rashida Tlaib, wearing a keffiyeh and holding a “war criminal” sign, was a visible symbol of dissent. Netanyahu, facing an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, described pro-Palestine protesters as supporters of Hamas, rapists, and murderers, asserting they should feel ashamed.
As Netanyahu praised Israeli military members, Capitol Police deployed pepper spray against protesters chanting “Free, free Palestine.” The Associated Press reported thousands of protesters converging on the Capitol, with some incidents of violence.
Jacob Magid of the Times of Israel reported that several relatives of hostages in Gaza walked out of Netanyahu’s speech, reflecting their discontent. Netanyahu’s pledge to not rest until the hostages are home received applause from the majority present, excluding a dozen or so hostage families.
Netanyahu also praised President Biden’s “heartfelt support” for Israel, highlighting Biden’s condemnation of Hamas and military support to deter a wider conflict.
Adam Abusalah, an Arab-American activist, criticized Netanyahu’s invitation to Congress, calling it a disgrace that members from both parties and Vice President Kamala Harris would meet with him.
“We are here to say enough is enough. As Americans, we will not stand for that,” Abusalah said at a protest near the Capitol.
