Netanyahu Addresses Congress for Gaza War Support Amid Protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday, seeking to strengthen U.S. support for Israel's fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed groups. His speech, however, sparked boycotts by some top Democrats and drew thousands of protesters to the Capitol, condemning the war in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis. "America and Israel must stand together," Netanyahu said, wearing a yellow pin to show solidarity with Israeli hostages held by Hamas. "When we stand together something really great happens: we win, they lose."

Protests and Boycotts

Security was tight around the Capitol with steel barriers and officers on foot, bicycles, and with dogs. Thousands of protesters gathered near the Capitol, labelling Netanyahu a "war criminal" and calling for a cease-fire. More than 50 Democrats, including political independent Bernie Sanders, boycotted Netanyahu's speech. Vice President Kamala Harris was notably absent due to a long-scheduled trip.

Netanyahu received a warm welcome from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers who arranged his speech in the House chamber. "Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel," Johnson said before Netanyahu began speaking. He received a bipartisan standing ovation. Noa Argamani, an Israeli hostage freed in a rescue mission in Gaza, was present.

Political Divides

Support for Israel has long been significant in U.S. politics. However, this visit saw diminished enthusiasm due to political turmoil, including an assassination attempt on Trump and Biden's decision not to seek another term. Many Democrats who support Israel but are critical of Netanyahu viewed the address as a Republican effort to position itself as the most loyal party.

Netanyahu's visit is his first abroad since the war began and comes amid arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognise the ICC. The Biden administration wants Netanyahu to focus on achieving a cease-fire and hostage release during his visit.

Hostage Crisis

About 60 lawmakers met with relatives of those taken hostage by Hamas on Wednesday. They expressed anger towards Netanyahu for potentially politicising the humanitarian issue of hostages. Maya Roman, who had several family members taken hostage, told lawmakers that Netanyahu risks making himself the issue by coming here.

Many in the swelling crowds of demonstrators protested the killings of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the war. Others condemned Netanyahu's inability to free Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack that sparked the conflict.

Focus on Iran

Netanyahu used an appearance early Wednesday to focus on Iran, its nuclear program, and its network of armed allies. Iran is "behind the entire axis of terror" that threatens both the U.S. and Israel, he said at a memorial for former Sen. Joe Lieberman. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Iran's nuclear program was one to two weeks away from having enough enriched fuel for a nuclear bomb but had not yet decided to build one.

Netanyahu aims to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza during his U.S. visit. He also seeks support for continuing Israel's battle against these groups and confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.

Political Reactions

Despite their criticism of Netanyahu, many Democrats attended his address, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Schumer had previously called for new elections in Israel, stating that Netanyahu has "lost his way" amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Netanyahu's appearance makes him the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill. His visit comes under scrutiny as Americans hold increasingly divided views on Israel and the war, which has become a key issue in the U.S. presidential election.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. His visit aims to portray himself as a respected statesman by Israel's most important ally amidst rising criticism back home.

The United States remains Israel's most crucial ally, arms supplier, and source of military aid. The Biden administration hopes Netanyahu will help complete a deal for a cease-fire and hostage release during his visit.

Many Democrats are wary of Netanyahu since he used a 2015 joint address to Congress to denounce then-President Barack Obama's pending nuclear deal with Iran. Republicans criticised Harris' absence as disloyalty to an ally while former President Trump's running mate JD Vance also skipped Netanyahu's speech due to campaign commitments.

The article concludes by highlighting that growing numbers of Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to avoid losing power once it ends.