During an address to a joint meeting of the US Congress on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for unity and firm action against what he described as “Iran’s axis of terror.” The Prime Minister recalled Ayatollah Khomeini’s vow to export the Islamic Revolution globally, positioning America as the bulwark against Iran’s radical agenda, noting, “When Israel fights Hamas or Hezbollah, we’re fighting Iran.”
“As we face this clash between barbarism and civilization, America and Israel must stand together,” Netanyahu stated during his speech, which drew multiple rounds of standing ovations. “Iran sees America as its greatest enemy, and Israel is merely a tool in this broader conflict.”
Netanyahu’s speech also highlighted the recent atrocities committed during the October 7 attacks in Israel, comparing the tragedy to Pearl Harbor, as well as calling it “20 September 11 attacks.” The Prime Minister detailed the brutal acts of violence inflicted upon victims, including acts of beheading and the tragic fate of children and parents who were witnesses to each other’s deaths.
The address also served as an opportunity for Netanyahu to recognize the heroic efforts to bring Israelis home. He reported that 105 hostages had been successfully retrieved from Gaza, sharing a poignant moment with freed hostage Noa Argamani, who received a warm welcome from the audience.
In his commitment to the families, Netanyahu declared, “I will not rest until all their loved ones are home,” a statement that resonated across the room despite the visible pain of some families who walked out during his speech. Meanwhile, several members of hostage families, visibly frustrated with the perceived slow progress of negotiations, wore yellow “Seal the Deal Now” t-shirts and were removed from the gallery and detained by law enforcement during Netanyahu’s speech.
Amid his narrative of conflict, Netanyahu also expressed profound gratitude for the US’s military and intelligence support, which he described as vital for keeping American forces from needing to engage directly. He paraphrased Winston Churchill, calling for quicker assistance to expedite an end to the war, a comment that received particular approval from Republican lawmakers. He praised President Joe Biden for his staunch support after October 7, calling him “a proud Irish-American Zionist” and thanking him for his decisive actions, including the deployment of US military assets and a personally impactful visit to Israel.
Netanyahu’s speech also referenced the significant symbolism of solidarity, noting many US lawmakers wearing yellow ribbon pins to call attention to the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza. Sara Netanyahu, present in the gallery, wore an orange jumpsuit to draw attention to the Bibas family’s plight.
However, he also faced opposition from within the States, as over 80 House Democrats did not attend. Furthermore, notable absences such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator JD Vance, who were otherwise engaged due to political and campaign commitments, sparked additional debate about the US’s stance and priorities.
Netanyahu detailed a multi-pronged approach that seeks to neutralize threats without altering Gaza’s demographic composition through resettlement. According to Netanyahu, the ultimate goal is to eliminate Hamas’ capacity to threaten Israeli security, coupled with freeing all hostages currently held. “Israel will fight until these objectives are achieved,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister proposed the establishment of a Palestinian-led civilian administration in Gaza that aligns with peaceful coexistence with Israel. “We need a government in Gaza that is committed to rebuilding, not destroying,” Netanyahu said. His vision extends to a cultural shift in Gaza, similar to the post-war transitions seen in Japan and Germany, where he emphasized the need for deradicalization programs to foster a generation of Palestinians who can live peacefully alongside Israelis.