Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the US Congress on July 24, 2024, ignited fierce controversy and protests, underscoring deep divisions over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Netanyahu sought to bolster US support for Israel’s fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed groups, emphasizing the need for unity between the two nations. “America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose,” Netanyahu declared to applause from Republican lawmakers.However, the speech was met with significant opposition. Over 50 Democratic lawmakers and political independents boycotted the address, while thousands of protesters gathered outside the Capitol. Demonstrators, including Palestinian supporters and Jewish activists, demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to US military aid to Israel. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, with law enforcement using pepper spray to disperse the crowd.Netanyahu’s remarks were notably confrontational. He accused Hamas of deliberately endangering Palestinian civilians to tarnish Israel’s reputation and force an end to the war. In a controversial statement, he labeled American protesters as “useful idiots” for Iran. The Prime Minister vowed to continue fighting until achieving “total victory,” despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire.The ongoing conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 39,145 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed since October 7, 2023. The war has also led to the displacement of 90% of Gaza’s population, as reported by UN data.Netanyahu’s visit and speech have further strained US-Israel relations, with some Congress members accusing him of causing “enormous damage” to the relationship. The event highlighted the growing divide between the Israeli government’s approach to the conflict and increasing calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention from the international community and segments of the American public.
Key points
- Netanyahu addressed US Congress, seeking support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
- The speech sparked widespread protests and boycotts from Democratic lawmakers.
- Netanyahu labeled American protesters as ‘useful idiots’ for Iran and vowed to continue fighting until ‘total victory’.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths and displacement of 90% of Gaza’s population.
Contradictions👾While Netanyahu sought to bolster US-Israel relations, his confrontational remarks and the boycott by many Democrats suggest a deepening rift.
👾Netanyahu claimed Israel doesn’t want to settle in Gaza, but his vow for ‘total victory’ and continued military action contradicts calls for a ceasefire.
