In a heated address to Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and labeled American critics of the Gaza war as “idiots.” This bold statement comes during a visit that the Biden administration hoped would facilitate progress in negotiations to end the conflict.
Netanyahu’s speech highlighted the long-standing, close relationship between the United States and Israel. However, it also underscored the deep divisions within American society regarding the war. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted the address, while thousands of protesters gathered outside the Capitol to denounce the war and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
Protests near the Capitol turned chaotic at times. At Union Station, just a few hundred yards from the heavily guarded Capitol grounds, protesters spray-painted marble statues and replaced American flags with Palestinian ones. Clashes between police and demonstrators erupted, with officers swinging batons and using tear gas.
During his nearly hour-long speech, which was met with frequent applause from U.S. lawmakers and stony silence from many leading Democrats, Netanyahu emphasized the shared interests of the U.S. and Israel in combating Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.
“America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, something really simple happens: We win, they lose,” Netanyahu declared, wearing a yellow pin to show solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu’s visit and his uncompromising stance have further complicated efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the Gaza conflict, highlighting the challenges faced by the Biden administration in balancing support for Israel with addressing humanitarian concerns and domestic opposition.