Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US Congress in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, marking his first appearance since the horrific Hamas attack on southern Israel last year. He declared that Israel would continue fighting until a “total victory” over Hamas was secured. Netanyahu emphasized that the root of the conflict lies with Iran and its proxies, framing the conflict as a “struggle between those who glorify death and those who cherish life.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the US Congress in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, his first visit since the horrific Hamas attack on southern Israel last year. He expressed gratitude for American support and highlighted the broader conflicts in the Middle East.
Netanyahu received a standing ovation as he entered to address a joint session of Congress, shaking hands with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. The applause, whistles, and cheers echoed through the chamber for over a minute, growing even louder and more enthusiastic, particularly from Republicans, as he took the stage.
Netanyahu started his speech by declaring, “We meet today at the crossroads of history.” He characterized the Middle East conflict as a clash between barbarism and civilization, describing it as a struggle between those who glorify death and those who cherish life. He emphasized the importance of unity between America and Israel, stating, “When we stand together, something very simple happens: we win, they lose. I came here to assure you, my friends, of one thing—we will win.”
Netanyahu linked the October 7 attacks in Israel to other historical events like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, referring to it as “a day that will live in infamy.” He vividly described the Hamas attacks as catastrophic, likening the scale of devastation to experiencing twenty 9/11s in a single day. He detailed horrific acts committed during the attacks, including violence against women, men, and children and the abduction of 255 people to Gaza.
Netanyahu also noted that Israel has successfully brought home 125 hostages, a statement that was met with standing applause. He vowed that Israel would continue to pursue every means possible to secure the release of all the hostages.
Netanyahu emphasized the solemn vow of “never again,” declaring to Congress, “After October 7, never again is now.” He criticized anti-Israel protesters, asserting, “Incredibly, many anti-Israel protesters choose to stand with evil. Many stand with Hamas. They stand with rapists,” and stated, “They should be ashamed of themselves.”
Netanyahu accused Iran of “promoting and funding” these protests in America, suggesting, “For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protesters” outside the Capitol at this very moment.
Netanyahu commended the American public for their discernment in not succumbing to Hamas propaganda and maintaining their support for Israel.
He referenced John Spencer, a West Point expert on urban warfare, who acknowledges that Israel has taken unprecedented measures to safeguard civilians in conflict zones. Netanyahu highlights, “The war in Gaza has one of the lowest ratios of combatant to non-combatants in the history of urban warfare,” underscoring the efforts Israel has made to minimize civilian casualties.
Netanyahu also addressed criticisms of Israel’s military actions in Rafah, pointing out that despite warnings from figures including US President Joe Biden, Israeli forces managed to eliminate over 1,200 terrorists with minimal civilian casualties, thanks to their efforts to move civilians out of harm’s way. He emphasized that IDF soldiers “should be commended” for their conduct in Gaza.
Amidst international scrutiny from bodies like the International Criminal Court, which he claims are trying to limit Israel’s ability to defend itself, Netanyahu warned that if Israel is constrained, it could set a precedent affecting America and other democracies. He affirmed that “Israel will always defend itself,” which prompted a standing ovation.
Netanyahu described Iran as the main instigator of regional and global unrest, recalling Ayatollah Khomeini’s commitment to spreading the Islamic Revolution worldwide and identifying America as the major barrier to these ambitions, calling it “the guardian of Western civilization” and “the world’s greatest power.”
He emphasized that Iran sees America as its chief adversary, with Israel playing a secondary role in a more significant strategic battle. Quoting Iran’s foreign minister, Netanyahu said, “Israel is merely a tool. The main war, the real war, is with America.” He highlighted Iran’s history of targeting U.S. servicemen and diplomats across regions including Lebanon, Africa, Iraq, and the U.S., underscoring Iran’s broader aim to undermine American influence in the Middle East.
Furthermore, Netanyahu connected the conflicts involving Israel directly to Iran, stating, “For Iran, Israel is first, America is next. When Israel fights Hamas, we’re fighting Iran. When Israel fights Hezbollah, we’re fighting Iran. When we’re fighting the Houthis, we’re fighting Iran.”
He assured Congress that Israel’s actions against Iran, particularly in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, are in defense of both Israel and the United States.
“When we act to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapon, we’re protecting you,” he tells Congress, reinforcing that Israel’s enemies are America’s enemies. Thus, “our victory will be your victory.”
Netanyahu stated that Israel would not stop until “total victory” was achieved over Hamas, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and securing the release of all hostages. He clarified that Israel does not intend to resettle Gaza but insists on maintaining overall security control to prevent future threats. Netanyahu advocated for a civilian administration in Gaza led by Palestinians who do not aim to destroy Israel, stating, “That’s not too much to ask.”
He further stressed the importance of deradicalizing Palestinians in Gaza, drawing parallels to post-World War II efforts in Japan and Germany. His vision for peace involves the demilitarization and deradicalization of Gaza, leading to a coexistence where future generations of Palestinians can live peacefully alongside Jews.
Netanyahu addressed the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, asserting that “Israel will do whatever it must do” to secure its northern border and return 80,000 displaced Israelis to their homes. He recounts the recent Yemeni Houthi drone attack and Israel’s retaliatory strike, stating, “Those who attack Israel will pay a very heavy price.”
Netanyahu expresses gratitude for the United States’ steadfast support, saying, “I know that America has our back. I thank you for it—all sides of the aisle.” He acknowledges the crucial role of U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing that benefits both nations, emphasizing, “We help keep American boots off the ground,” and suggested that expedited U.S. aid could hasten the end of the war.
Echoing Winston Churchill, Netanyahu invoked, “Give us the tools, and we’ll finish the job.” He then adapted this appeal to the current context, urging, “Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster,” which garnered applause from the GOP.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Trump for facilitating the Abraham Accords and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, declaring it Israel’s “eternal capital, never to be divided.” He condemned the assassination attempt on Trump as a “dastardly attack” and emphasized that political violence has no place in democracies. Netanyahu praised Israel’s democracy as “powerful and vibrant” and remained optimistic about America, seeing it as the “beacon of liberty” envisioned in 1776. He firmly stated, “Israel will not relent or bend,” and committed to fighting for a “victory of liberty over tyranny.”
Netanyahu declared that Israel will forever be a steadfast ally to America in the region, stating, “Together, we shall secure a brilliant future for both our nations.” He concluded by saying, “God bless America, God bless Israel,” receiving a standing ovation. As he finished, Democrats quickly exited the room, while Republicans and approximately half of the Democrats remained standing to applaud.
Many lawmakers present for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress are wearing yellow ribbon pins and dog tags distributed by the families of eight American hostages in Gaza. These items, along with a letter sent to every member of Congress, express gratitude for efforts to secure the hostages’ release but emphasize, “We thank you for advocating for the release of the hostages, but until they are home with their families, no one is doing enough.” The letter urged continued pressure on Netanyahu and global leaders to resolve the hostage situation and alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
Elon Musk attended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, seated near Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, in the gallery above the floor.
According to statements from those absent and an estimated count of the audience, approximately 70 Democrats from both the House and Senate boycotted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress.
