Commitment to ‘Total victory’
Nine months into the Gaza war, Netanyahu during his speech vowed to continue the fight until achieving “total victory.” He emphasised his desire to secure US support against Hamas and other Iran-backed groups while condemning the opposition in the United States.”America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose,” Netanyahu stated, wearing a yellow pin in solidarity with Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
‘They stand with evil’: Netanyahu slams protesters
Netanyahu’s speech took a confrontational tone as he labelled those protesting the war as “useful idiots” aiding Israel’s adversaries. He directed his remarks toward the demonstrators outside the Capitol, suggesting they were unwittingly supporting militants. ‘Anti-Israel protesters have chosen to ‘stand with evil’ and with Hamas. These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves,” he said, drawing applause from many in Congress, though leading Democrats remained silent.
An address to hostages’ families
Freed hostages of Hamas and families of hostages were present in the House chamber. Lawmakers from both parties frequently stood to applaud Netanyahu, while security escorted out protesters displaying slogans demanding a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
Warm reception from Republican lawmakers
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans warmly welcomed Netanyahu. “Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel,” Johnson stated, earning a bipartisan standing ovation. Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris and over 50 Democrats, including Bernie Sanders, boycotted the speech.
Condemnation of the International Criminal Court
Netanyahu harshly criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC) for seeking arrest warrants against him and others for alleged war crimes. “The ICC is trying to shackle Israel’s hands and prevent us from defending ourselves. And if Israel’s hands are tied, America is next,” he warned.
Israel and US must stand together against Iran
During his speech, Netanyahu addressed the US Congress with a forceful argument that Israel’s ongoing conflict is crucial not just for its security but for that of the United States. He asserted that Iran is “virtually behind all the terrorism” in the Middle East, positioning the US as the “guardian of Western civilization” against Iran’s “maniacal plans.”
Netanyahu highlighted the historical context of US-Iran relations, emphasising that Tehran views Middle Eastern conquest as a necessary step to challenge American power. He described Iran’s network of proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas, as tools in its broader strategy against the US
“When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America,” Netanyahu declared. He framed the conflict as a joint struggle, insisting, “Our fight is your fight, our enemies are your enemies, and our victory will be your victory.”
Netanyahu thanks Trump in his address
In his address Israeli PM praised Republican candidate Donald Trump for his support of Israel. “I… want to thank President Trump for all the things he did for Israel. From recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Iran’s aggression to recognising Jerusalem as our capital and moving the American embassy there,” Netanyahu told US lawmakers, referring to steps Trump took while in office.
Addressing accusations of genocide
Netanyahu dismissed accusations of genocide against Palestinians as “outrageous slanders” and compared them to historical anti-Semitic lies that led to the Holocaust. He also rejected claims that Israel is starving Gazans, attributing food shortages to Hamas stealing supplies.
Response to academic institutions
During his speech Israeli PM slammed, university leaders for not condemning campus protests against Israel. “Eighty years after the Holocaust, the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT couldn’t bring themselves to condemn calls for the genocide of Jews,” he said, offering historical context to emphasise the seriousness of anti-Semitism.
Post-war vision for Gaza
Netanyahu outlined his vision for a “demilitarized and de-radicalized” Gaza, stating that Israel would retain security control to prevent future threats. He compared the situation to post-World War II Germany and Japan, suggesting that a similar approach could lead to peace and prosperity in Gaza.