Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a strongly worded address to Congress on Wednesday, vowed to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and criticized American opponents of the Gaza war, calling them “idiots.” His speech, aimed at reinforcing the close ties between the U.S. and Israel, highlighted deep divisions within American society. Many Democratic lawmakers boycotted the address, and thousands protested outside the Capitol, denouncing the war and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
Protests near the Capitol turned chaotic, with demonstrators vandalizing statues and replacing American flags with Palestinian ones. Clashes between protesters and police involved batons and tear gas. Netanyahu’s speech received frequent applause from U.S. lawmakers but was met with silence from leading Democrats. He emphasized the shared interests of the U.S. and Israel in combating Hamas and other Iran-backed groups, asserting that unity between the two nations ensures victory.
Netanyahu wore a yellow pin to show solidarity with Israeli hostages held by Hamas and sharply criticized American protesters, labeling them “useful idiots” for Israel’s enemies. His speech did not directly address ongoing U.S.-led mediation efforts for a cease-fire and hostage release, but he made it clear that Israel’s goal is the complete destruction of Hamas’s military capabilities and the liberation of hostages.
During the address, five freed hostages and families of those still captive protested in the House chamber, displaying T-shirts demanding an end to the war. Security officers removed them. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, held a sign accusing Netanyahu of war crimes and genocide. Tlaib, who has relatives in the West Bank, represents a Michigan district with many Palestinian Americans.
Netanyahu avoided discussing U.S. and Arab allies' efforts to end the fighting, accusing American protesters of aligning with militants who he claimed were responsible for killing babies. He briefly praised President Joe Biden but focused more on former President Donald Trump’s contributions to Israel. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as Trump, during his visit.
Rep. Andy Barr supported Netanyahu’s call for seeing Israeli and American interests as intertwined, while Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized the lack of discussion on peace or a cease-fire. American hostages' families expressed disappointment over Netanyahu’s failure to commit to a proposed hostage deal.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who boycotted the speech, harshly criticized Netanyahu’s presentation. Netanyahu aimed to bolster his image at home, where his popularity has declined, by showcasing his respect in Washington. His address made him the first foreign leader to address Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warmly welcomed Netanyahu, but more than 60 Democrats, along with political independent Bernie Sanders, boycotted the speech. Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, were notable absentees.
Support for Israel remains significant in U.S. politics, despite Netanyahu’s visit being overshadowed by domestic turmoil, including an assassination attempt on Trump and Biden’s decision not to seek re-election. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attended, despite previous criticism of Netanyahu. The U.S. remains Israel’s key ally and military aid provider, with the Biden administration hoping Netanyahu would focus on achieving a cease-fire and hostage release. Netanyahu’s visit comes amid accusations of war crimes by the International Criminal Court, which the U.S. does not recognize.