On Wednesday, July 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his way to Capitol Hill and addressed members of Congress. In what the Associated Press described as a “fiery” speech a combative Netanyahu promised a “total victory” against Hamas and denounced American opponents of the Israel’s military operations in Gaza as “idiots.”
The reaction to Netanyahu’s speech was seemingly split along party lines. Republican lawmaker Lindsey Graham called the speech “epic” and Rep. Andy Barr praised the Prime Minister for “supporting and defending Israel is about the United States and the American people.”
“Our interests are completely and perfectly aligned,” Barr said.
“These protesters, they don’t know what they’re doing, they don’t understand what they’re doing. They’re defending evil.”
In contrast, Democratic lawmakers like Senator Chris Murphy said it was “a setback for both the U.S.-Israel relationship and the fight against Hamas.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a sign calling Netanyahu a war criminal and said that the applause he received was disgusting.
“Benjamin Netanyahu’s presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States,” Pelosi wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings. These families are asking for a ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home – and we hope the Prime Minister would spend his time achieving that goal.”
Netanyahu is expected to meet with former President Donald Trump on Friday in Florida. Back in Israel and Palestine, the death toll continues to rise. As of Tuesday, July 23, the latest death toll reportedly stands at 39,670 Palestinians and 1,139 people killed in Israel since October 7.
