Netanyahu Addresses US Congress, Denies Civilian Casualties in Gaza
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Alaina
- . July 25, 2024
- . Update: July 25, 2024 7:03 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a historic speech to Congress Wednesday. He was defiant, and he wanted America and Israel to stand together. Netanyahu was aiming to rally support for the Gaza War but criticized his rivals, Iran. According to the local health ministry records, the civilian death toll in Gaza stands at nearly 40,000 since the beginning of the conflict.
Protests and Reactions
As Netanyahu spoke inside, protests erupted outside the venue. Other demonstrators at Union Station in Washington, DC burned US flags and images of Netanyahu. The White House came out strongly to condemn the actions. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said antisemitism and violence are never acceptable under any circumstances.
Political Meetings
The speech came amid a week of high-level political meetings. About 80 House Democrats, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, skipped Netanyahu’s speech. Harris, however, is expected to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday. President Joe Biden will meet with him, as well at the White House – on Thursday.
Key Moments of Netanyahu’s Speech
Speaking to the crowd, Netanyahu focused much attention on Iran, citing it as the number one cause of instability in the Middle East. He labelled the United States as the “protector of Western civilization” off on Iranian aggression. Netanyahu couched the conflict as being between “barbarism and civilization,” showing America and Israel standing hand in hand.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the attack of October 7, equating it with September 11 and Pearl Harbor. Colourfully, he spoke about the attack, recounting violence and taking hostages. Netanyahu promised to return hostages from Gaza but said little to update on real ongoing negotiations with Hamas.
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Audience Reactions
The reaction to Netanyahu’s speech was divided. Many in the audience—particularly Republicans—applauded and gave standing ovations. Some relatives of hostages, however, particularly those of the American captives, looked distinctly underwhelmed. One group wore yellow shirts with the slogan “Seal the Deal Now.” Three of those people were ejected from the chamber by security.
What Netanyahu Left Unsaid
Though long-winded in his speech, many really serious things that Netanyahu had to say went unsaid. He did not say anything along the lines of details about any ceasefire negotiations or how he intended to free the hostages. He noticeably avoided talking about the civilian death toll in Gaza, which was mounting at that time.
The speech of Netanyahu in Congress only reiterated and reaffirmed the Israeli view on its relentless conflict and perception of regional dynamics. On the other side, it also underlined how reportedly tense and disputed has become the question of Israel’s actions not only within the United States but on a larger global platform.
