Showing earlier than a uncommon joint assembly of Congress, Netanyahu recounted in violent element the atrocities dedicated by Hamas on Oct. 7, warned of the continued menace posed by Iran and different regional adversaries and urged American policymakers to unite behind Israel for the sake of eradicating these threats as soon as and for all.
“For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel should stand collectively,” he mentioned, thanking President Biden for “half a century of friendship to Israel.”
Netanyahu, positioning Israel as America’s strongest ally and protection within the Center East, referred to as for U.S. army assist to proceed and velocity up — in opposition to Biden withholding some heavy weapons and the decision of opponents and protesters to halt U.S. army help.
“I deeply admire America’s assist, together with on this present struggle, however that is an distinctive second. Quick-tracking U.S. army help can dramatically expedite an finish to the struggle in Gaza and assist stop a broader struggle within the Center East,” he mentioned.
The ambiance surrounding Netanyahu’s go to to Washington, and his message, marked a departure from his final main tackle to Congress in 2015, when he lambasted the Obama administration over its efforts to forge a nuclear cope with Tehran.
However Netanyahu’s mere presence deepened already sharp divisions between Republicans and Democrats — and between Democrats themselves — over his far-right coverage agenda and, extra particularly, his dealing with of the struggle with Hamas in Gaza.
These tensions had been unimaginable to overlook round Capitol Hill, as hundreds of activists gathered on the Nationwide Mall to protest a determine they deem a struggle felony; Vice President Harris, the Democrats’ probably presidential nominee, was noticeably absent on the dais behind Netanyahu, the place she would sometimes stand to welcome overseas leaders.
And scores of Democrats — together with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — boycotted the speech to denounce what they view as Netanyahu’s emboldening of an extremist far-right faction, fueling violence in opposition to Palestinians within the West Financial institution and thwarting a possible two-state answer.
These critics view Netanyahu as liable for a humanitarian disaster in pursuit of his aim to remove Hamas, with widespread destruction throughout the Gaza Strip and tens of hundreds of Palestinians killed within the preventing.
Learn the total report at TheHill.com.
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