Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday, promising "total victory" against Hamas and criticizing American opposition to the war in Gaza. His speech was boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers and met with protests calling for an end to the war and the humanitarian crisis.
“America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose,” said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin to show solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu also criticized those protesting the war on U.S. college campuses and other locations, referring to them as “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries, and pointing to demonstrations outside the Capitol.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, held a sign during the speech reading “WAR CRIMINAL” and “GUILTY OF GENOCIDE.” Tlaib has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu.
House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed Netanyahu warmly. More than 60 Democrats, along with independent Senator Bernie Sanders, boycotted the speech. Notable absentees included Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator JD Vance, who cited the need to campaign.
