USA – Israel: Netanyahu Appeals to US Congress for Union Between Two Countries
Thousands of protesting demonstrators marched to Capitol Hill
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his speech to the US Congress, called on the two countries to “remain united” after more than nine months of war in Gaza. The reason being, according to Netanyahu’s, that Israeli “victory” would also be a US victory. “For the forces of civilization to prevail, America and Israel must remain united,” the Jewish prime minister told the House of Representatives to a standing ovation from Republicans.
“We are not just defending ourselves,” the 74-year-old Israeli leader emphasized, “we are defending you. Our enemies are your enemies, our battle is your battle, and our victory will be your victory.”
In his hour-long speech, Netanyahu called on the United States to “provide new military aid to Israel,” spoke of the region’s post-war prospects – the “demilitarization and deradicalization” of Gaza – and said he was “confident” in the outcome of negotiations to free hostages held by Hamas.
US Vice President Kamala Harris did not attend the speech due to a previously scheduled trip, but may meet with the Israeli leader separately. An Israeli government spokesman called Harris’s absence “disappointing” but emphasized that the speech was “more important than any single individual.”
It is the fourth time – a record for a foreign leader – that Netanyahu has addressed Congress in this way, an honor usually bestowed on leaders during state visits. On Thursday, July 25, he will meet with President Biden, with whom he has a “fairly strained” relationship, to discuss “the situation in Gaza,” “progress toward a cease-fire,” and a “hostage release agreement,” according to the White House.
Netanyahu will later travel to Florida to meet with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
During Netanyahu’s speech, thousands of demonstrators gathered around the Capitol in Washington to protest the Israeli prime minister’s visit. Protesters called for a ceasefire in Gaza, devastated by months of war.
