Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday addressed the US Congress, seeking to shore up support for the war in Gaza. Terming the war as a “clash between barbarism and civilization”, Netanyahu said that “For the forces of civilisation to triumph, America and Israel must stand together.”
Netanyahu began his speech by thanking congressional leaders and lawmakers for the “profound” honor of addressing Congress.
Given a standing ovation on his arrival, the longtime Israeli leader delivered his speech to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives in a city preoccupied with domestic politics.
“This is not a clash of civilisations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilisation,” said Netanyahu.
Also read | Thousands protest near US Capitol as Netanyahu speaks in Congress
“It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together. Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win, they lose.”
Netanyahu invoking historical parallels to underscore the gravity of the October 7 attack by Hamas, compared the day to December 7, 1941, and September 11, 2001, calling it a day that "will forever live in infamy."
Netanyahu described October 7 as a day that "began as a perfect day, not a cloud in the sky," before it "suddenly turned into hell" with the attack that killed more than 1,200 people.
In his address, Netanyahu made a solemn pledge to "all the bereaved families of Israel," declaring, “The sacrifice of your loved ones will not be in vain. It will not be in vain because for Israel, ‘never again’ must never be an empty promise. It must always remain a sacred vow. And after October 7, ‘never again’ is now.”
Don't Miss | Cries buried under rubble of Gaza will come back to haunt global system
In his address, Netanyahu appealed to the US with a reference to Winston Churchill’s famous plea: "Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster." He echoed this sentiment, urging, "Give us the tools faster and we’ll finish the job faster."
Netanyahu acknowledged that as Israel "defends ourselves on all fronts," he is reassured by the knowledge that "America has our back." He praised the US for its decades of "generous" military assistance and highlighted the mutual benefits of their partnership, noting that Israel has provided "critical intelligence that saved many lives."
Netanyahu stated that Israel is dedicated to returning its citizens to northern Israel and that it would “prefer to achieve this diplomatically”.
However, he emphasised that Israel is prepared to take any necessary actions to restore security along its northern border and ensure the safe return of its people to their homes.
Also read | Netanyahu’s Washington visit amid fraught times: All you need to Know
He also expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for “half a century of friendship to Israel” and praised Biden’s commitment as a “proud Zionist” and “proud Irish American Zionist.”
Netanyahu thanked Biden for his “tireless efforts on behalf of hostages and his efforts to the hostages' families.”
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for his support of Israel. He acknowledged Trump's actions, including recognising Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, addressing Iran's aggression, and moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem. Netanyahu also noted that, like Americans, Israelis felt relieved by Trump's survival of the attempted assassination on July 13 at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Israeli Prime Minister Benajmin Netanyahu criticized anti-war and pro-Palestinian protesters, calling them “anti-Israel” and saying “they should be ashamed of themselves.”
Netanyahu vowed to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack, stating, “The pain these families have endured is beyond words. I met with them again yesterday and I promised them this: I will not rest until all their loved ones are home. All of them.”
He assured that Israel was “actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release” and expressed confidence in the success of these efforts.
Following the recent International Criminal Court (ICC) judgment, Netanyahu remarked that the ICC's "false accusations" are not only libelous but also dangerous. “This is utter, complete nonsense. It’s a complete fabrication,” he told Congress.
He argued that the court is effectively tying Israel’s hands and hindering its ability to defend itself. "If Israel’s hands are tied, America is next," Netanyahu warned.
Netanyahu also outlined his vision for a post-war Gaza, stating that Israel aims for “total victory” by destroying Hamas’s military capability, ending its rule, and bringing all hostages home. He envisions a “demilitarized and de-radicalized” Gaza, where Israel maintains overriding security control to prevent future threats.
Just before his speech, US Capitol police reported that some protests a few blocks from the building had turned violent, leading them to use pepper spray.
It marked a record fourth speech by a foreign leader to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, surpassing British wartime leader Winston Churchill, who made three such addresses.
US Vice President Kamala Harris, along with approximately 80 House Democrats and several Democratic senators, is skipping Netanyahu's speech.
Instead, Harris will meet with the Israeli leader on Thursday. Netanyahu is also scheduled to speak with congressional leaders from both parties, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.
In a separate engagement, Netanyahu and President Joe Biden will meet at the White House on Thursday. During this meeting, the two leaders will also speak with US families of hostages who remain in Gaza.
