WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his country’s war in Gaza, telling the US Congress that “our enemies are your enemies” and urging the US to provide more military aid to help Israel defeat its enemies. However, his speech was met with protests and criticism from Democratic lawmakers and thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Capitol.
Speaking to a joint session of Congress, Netanyahu framed the war in Gaza as a battle for Israel’s survival and accused Iran of being the main sponsor of terrorism in the region. He called on the US to “fast-track” military aid to Israel, claiming that this would help bring a swift end to the war and prevent a broader regional conflict.
However, many Democratic lawmakers were absent from the address, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who criticized Netanyahu’s speech as “the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary” to have addressed Congress. Pelosi instead met with Israelis affected by the recent Hamas attack, calling for a ceasefire deal to bring home the hostages still held in Gaza.
Outside the Capitol, thousands of protesters gathered to demonstrate against Netanyahu’s visit, with some holding signs that declared him a “wanted war criminal.” Five people were arrested inside the Capitol building for attempting to disrupt the speech.
Netanyahu’s speech did not address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 39,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since the start of the conflict. Instead, he blamed Hamas for stealing food aid intended for Gazans, and called for a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza under Israeli military control.
The Israeli leader also thanked former President Donald Trump for his support, including moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. Trump is expected to return to office later this week.
The speech comes as Israel faces growing pressure to end its military campaign in Gaza and negotiate a ceasefire deal. The conflict has led to widespread international condemnation and calls for a humanitarian response.
In related news, Israel announced that it had retrieved the bodies of two hostages who had been held captive in Gaza. The move was seen as a rare glimmer of hope for families still holding out hope for their loved ones’ safe return.
Agencies

Agencies