Netanyahu Defends Gaza War in Congress, Faces Protests and Democratic Boycotts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's ongoing war in Gaza during a speech to Congress, which drew boycotts from many top Democratic lawmakers and thousands of protesters to the Capitol. Netanyahu vowed to continue the war until achieving "total victory" and sought to bolster U.S. support for Israel's fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed groups.

Netanyahu's Speech and Reactions

Netanyahu's speech quickly took on a darker tone as he condemned American protesters, calling them "useful idiots" for Israel's adversaries. He received applause from many in Congress but faced silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer. Freed former hostages of Hamas and their families listened in the House chamber as Netanyahu spoke.

Lawmakers from both parties rose repeatedly to applaud Netanyahu, while security escorted out protesters displaying T-shirts with slogans demanding a cease-fire and the release of all hostages. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held a sign in the House chamber that read "war criminal."

Protests and Security Measures

Tall steel barriers surrounded the Capitol, and police used pepper spray as thousands of protesters rallied nearby, denouncing Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and calling for a cease-fire. Many demonstrators protested the deaths of over 39,000 Palestinians in the war and criticized Netanyahu's inability to free Israeli and American hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack.

Netanyahu accused American protesters of standing with militants who he said killed babies in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. "These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves," he stated. With criticism rising in Israel, Netanyahu aims to portray himself as a respected statesman by Israel's most important ally.

Political Divisions

More than 50 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahu's speech. Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate, did not attend due to a long-scheduled trip. Sen. Patty Murray also declined to attend, so Sen. Ben Cardin served as "senator pro tempore" in her place.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican lawmakers warmly welcomed Netanyahu. "Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel," Johnson said before Netanyahu began speaking, receiving a bipartisan standing ovation.

Hostage Crisis and Criticism

About 60 lawmakers met with relatives of those taken hostage by Hamas, who expressed anger toward Netanyahu. Maya Roman, who had several family members taken hostage, told lawmakers that Netanyahu risks turning the humanitarian issue of hostages into a political one by coming to the U.S.

Support for Israel has long been significant in U.S. politics, but this visit has been overshadowed by political turmoil. Many Democrats who support Israel but criticize Netanyahu see his address as an effort by Republicans to portray themselves as the most loyal party.

Netanyahu's Agenda

Netanyahu's visit is his first abroad since the war started and comes under the shadow of arrest warrants sought against him by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes against Palestinians. The United States does not recognize the ICC.

The Biden administration wants Netanyahu to focus on helping complete a deal for a cease-fire and hostage release during his visit. Growing numbers of Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to avoid a likely fall from power whenever the conflict ends.

Netanyahu aims to press for freeing hostages held by Hamas and other militants in Gaza, build support for continuing Israel's battle against these groups, and argue for confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-allied groups in the region.

Some Democrats remain wary of Netanyahu since he used a 2015 joint address to Congress to denounce then-President Barack Obama's pending nuclear deal with Iran. During an early Wednesday appearance, Netanyahu focused on Iran, its nuclear program, and its network of armed allies.

The United States remains Israel's most important ally, arms supplier, and source of military aid.