Netanyahu Addresses Congress with Rousing Speech
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to and met with American political leaders on July 24.
Sasha Heller is the Web Editor and Copy Editor for the Atlanta Jewish Times
On July 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress and pledged to keep fighting in Gaza until Israel accomplishes “total victory” over Hamas and Iranian proxy terrorist groups.
“We’re not only protecting ourselves, we’re protecting you,” he said. “Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory.”
Netanyahu’s address was surrounded by controversy regarding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, and of Netanyahu personally. The Israeli leader has faced mounting pressure from the U.S. and Israel to agree to a deal to release the hostages still held by Hamas in exchange for a ceasefire. Family members of those held hostage have accused the embattled leader of obstructing a potential hostage deal.
Thousands of protesters assembled outside the Capitol to sound off against the speech and the platform given to Netanyahu by Congress.
A contingent of Democrats and one Republican elected not to attend the speech in protest of Netanyahu. Vice President Kamala Harris notably said she would not attend but would meet with Netanyahu privately.
In his address, Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden repeatedly and urged Congress to continue supporting Israel with weapons so the war-torn nation can “finish the job” more efficiently. Netanyahu also thanked former President Donald Trump for his policies toward Israel during his administration.
Regarding the hostages, Netanyahu said, “I will not rest until all their loved ones are home, all of them,” he said. “As we speak, we’re actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their release. And I’m confident that these efforts can succeed. Some of them are taking place right now.”
Netanyahu said the military campaign will continue “until we destroy Hamas … that’s what total victory means, and we will settle for nothing else.”
He then pleaded to Congress that Israel’s defense against Hamas is a shared battle with America against terrorism in general.
“The mobs in Tehran shout ‘death to Israel’ before they chant ‘death to America.’ For Iran, Israel is first, America is next,” he said. “So, when Israel fights Hamas, we’re fighting Iran. When we fight Hezbollah, we’re fighting Iran. When we fight the Houthis, we’re fighting Iran.”
In closing, Netanyahu continued his vow to win the war in Gaza.
“No matter how long it takes, no matter how difficult the road ahead, Israel will not relent,” he said. “Israel will not bend. We will defend our land. We will defend our people. We will fight until we achieve victory.”
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