Netanyahu Hails US-Israel Partnership in Historic Congressional Address Amidst the Backdrop of War

Netanyahu Hails US-Israel Partnership in Historic Congressional Address Amidst the Backdrop of War

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a fiery and Churchillian-like address before the Joint Sessions of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the critical nature of the alliance between the United States and Israel, while also issuing a stark warning against the rising tide of anti-Semitism, according to the information provided in a CNN report.  His speech, delivered amid the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, sought to reinforce American support for Israel’s military actions and broader strategic objectives.

Netanyahu framed the current geopolitical landscape as a pivotal moment in history, marked by a stark dichotomy between civilization and barbarism, according to a CBSNews.com report.

“We meet today at a crossroads of history. Our world is in upheaval,” Netanyahu began, setting the tone for a speech that would intertwine the themes of existential threat and resolute partnership. He pointed to the growing menace posed by Iran and its network of terror, which he argued targets not just Israel but also America and its Arab allies. “This is not a clash of civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization. It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life,” Netanyahu asserted, as was detailed in the CBSNews.com report.  For the forces of civilization to triumph, he declared, the unity of America and Israel is indispensable.

“For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together,” Netanyahu declared, as was reported by CNN. “Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win, they lose.”

Netanyahu’s address came at a particularly critical juncture in the Israel-Hamas conflict. U.S. officials have expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of negotiating a deal that could lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas and potentially bring an end to the hostilities, as was indicated in the CNN report.

The response to Netanyahu’s speech was not uniform among U.S. lawmakers. While many attended and voiced their support, a notable contingent of Democrats chose to boycott the address, either in protest against the ongoing war or due to prior commitments. As was correctly noted in the CNN report, this boycott highlights the increasing rift within the Democratic Party concerning U.S. policy towards Israel and the conduct of the war. The CNN report noted  that this internal division was starkly illustrated by Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American member of Congress, who displayed a sign during Netanyahu’s speech labeling him a “war criminal” and accusing him of “genocide.”

A significant portion of Netanyahu’s address was dedicated to denouncing the horrifying escalation of overt global anti-Semitism, which he described as “the world’s oldest hatred.” CNN reported that he drew parallels between historical antisemitic libels against Jewish people and contemporary criticisms of Israel, framing the latter as part of a broader effort to delegitimize and demonize both the Jewish state and Jewish individuals globally. “Just as malicious lies were leveled for centuries at the Jewish people, malicious lies are now being leveled at the Jewish state,” Netanyahu asserted. He argued that accusations of racism and genocide against Israel are not only unfounded but are also intended to undermine the nation’s legitimacy and incite hatred against Jews worldwide.

The speech elicited a polarized response, reflecting the broader international debate over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The CNN report said that Netanyahu’s supporters argue that Israel’s actions are a necessary defense against terrorism and are in line with the right of any sovereign nation to protect its citizens.

In his historic and impassioned address, Netanyahu said, “The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself,” his words echoing the determination of a nation under siege. This declaration of self-defense was met with resounding applause from the assembled lawmakers, calling attention to the broad support for Israel’s right to protect its citizens against external threats.

Despite the contentious nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Netanyahu’s address managed to evoke moments of rare bipartisanship in the often polarized arena of U.S. politics. On two occasions, when Netanyahu praised President Joe Biden, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers rose in a standing ovation, as per the information contained in the CNN report.

“I thank President Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel after the savage attack on October 7,” Netanyahu stated, also commending Biden for his relentless efforts on behalf of the hostages taken by Hamas. CNN reported that his gesture of thanks was significant given the increasingly strained relations between the two leaders, marked by subtle but clear public criticisms and differing perspectives on the ongoing conflict.

“President Biden and I have known each other for over 40 years. I want to thank him for half a century of friendship to Israel,” Netanyahu remarked, acknowledging the deep personal and political bond he shares with the U.S. President. This statement set the tone for a speech that aimed to reinforce the historical alliance between the two nations, even as it navigated the current friction.

Mostly notably, Netanyahu broke the record of standing ovations for a foreign leader in Congress, receiving 58 standing ovations during his robust address, breaking the previous record of 28 in 2015. This bipartisan recognition extended further when Netanyahu condemned political violence, prompting yet another unified display of support from both sides of the aisle.

Netanyahu’s address marked his fourth appearance before a joint meeting of Congress, a testament to his long-standing influence on U.S.-Israel relations. CBS News reported that his last address in 2015 was a valiant attempt to dissuade lawmakers from supporting the Obama administration’s nuclear negotiations with Iran. This historical context added weight to his current appeal for solidarity and support against shared threats.

Biden is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday, a meeting that comes at a crucial juncture. The U.S. President has publicly stated that Israel has achieved its stated goals in Gaza, describing some of the country’s actions as “over the top” and expressing a clear desire for the war to conclude. Biden has also cast doubt on whether Israel’s conduct could be classified as war crimes, adding to the tension between the two leaders. The CNN report noted that he has insinuated that Netanyahu might be prolonging the conflict for his own political survival.

Netanyahu, on the other hand, has correctly accused the United States of withholding essential military supplies, a claim that American officials have vehemently denied. This allegation highlights the friction in what has traditionally been a robust defense partnership.

Upon arriving in Washington, Netanyahu met with American relatives of hostages held by Hamas. The reception was mixed, with some participants expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting. The CNN report suggested that this discontent reflects the broader unease and division regarding Israel’s handling of the conflict and its humanitarian implications.

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump on Friday at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, a meeting announced by Trump.

Netanyahu’s speech did not draw the attendance of several Democratic lawmakers, who either boycotted in protest of the war or due to prior commitments. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee following President Biden’s announcement to step down, did not preside over the Senate during Netanyahu’s address. CNN reported that Harris was in Indianapolis but plans to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray also chose not to preside over the speech.

Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, was vocal in his opposition, stating he would skip the address in protest of what he termed the “total war” waged by Netanyahu’s government in Gaza. “No. Netanyahu should not be welcomed into the United States Congress,” Sanders declared, according to the CNN report as he condemned Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza and his refusal to support a suicidal two-state solution.

Netanyahu’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny due to the high Palestinian death toll resulting from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Domestically and internationally, he faces mounting pressure to negotiate a deal that would secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a temporary cessation of hostilities. Critics accuse Netanyahu of extending the conflict for political gain, an allegation he vehemently denies.

CBS News reported that in his speech, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to resolving the hostage crisis, stating that the country is “actively engaged in intensive efforts” to ensure their safe return. “Some of them are taking place right now,” he revealed, reassuring the families of the hostages that he would “not rest until all their loved ones are home.”

This unusual political turbulence in the U.S. added a layer of complexity to Netanyahu’s speech, as he navigated the delicate balance of addressing a divided Congress while appealing for bipartisan support.

Invited by congressional leaders in May, Netanyahu’s address focused on the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations and the intense emotions surrounding the war in Gaza.

The decision to invite Netanyahu was a rare display of bipartisan unity, particularly given the deep political divides over the war in the U.S. Republicans have been unequivocal in their support for Netanyahu, while Democrats have found themselves split on the issue of providing further aid to Israel, a longtime ally, according to the information provided in the CBS News report.  House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, justified the invitation by emphasizing the existential threat faced by Israel. “Our dear ally Israel is in an existential fight for its very existence,” Johnson stated, framing Netanyahu’s visit as a critical moment of solidarity.

Anticipating large-scale demonstrations, the U.S. Capitol Police significantly increased security measures around the Capitol. These precautions were well-founded, as approximately 200 protesters were arrested on Tuesday for demonstrating inside a congressional building. NBC News reported that the following day, during Netanyahu’s address, police used pepper spray to manage the crowds. The protesters, chanting “Free, Free Palestine,” filled blocks of city streets in Washington, D.C., calling for an end to the war that has claimed over 39,000 Palestinian lives.

The tension escalated when six people were arrested in the House Gallery for disrupting Netanyahu’s speech. Outside, demonstrators marched toward the Capitol but were blocked by police, prompting them to head toward Union Station, as was reported by NBC News.  In a treacherous act, protesters removed American flags from the rail terminal and replaced them with Palestinian flags, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

The protests were not confined to the immediate vicinity of the Capitol. Demonstrators rallied near the building before marching toward it ahead of Netanyahu’s address to the joint session of Congress. They blocked a nearby intersection, chanting “Shut it down!” and carried a banner reading “Globalize the student intifada,” as was affirmed in the NBC News report.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress was a powerful reaffirmation of Israel’s determination to defend itself against existential threats and a plea for continued American support. His speech highlighted moments of bipartisanship that transcended the deep political divisions within the U.S., reflecting the enduring strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance. By acknowledging President Biden’s support and condemning political violence, Netanyahu struck a chord that resonated across the political spectrum..