Netanyahu dismisses critics, scolds protesters in defiant speech to Congress

The Washington Post ^ | Updated July 24, 2024 at 6:42 p.m. EDT | Published July 24, 2024 at 3:39 p.m. EDT | Abigail Hauslohner, Steve Hendrix and Louisa Loveluck

[E. Pluribus Unum]

A defiant Benjamin Netanyahu, in an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, dismissed as “utter nonsense” criticisms by the United Nations, human rights groups and the International Criminal Court that Israel’s government has committed war crimes in Gaza, and he derided pro-Palestinian protesters as “idiots” and tools of Iran.

The Israeli prime minister told U.S. lawmakers that Israel will settle for “nothing less” than total victory over Hamas, and described a vision for postwar Gaza seemingly at odds with the terms of a peace deal advocated by the Biden administration. The fate of Israel and the United States are inextricably linked, he asserted, arguing that U.S. investment in Israel’s war aims also serves to defend the United States and “all democracies.”

“We help keep Americans’ boots off the ground,” Netanyahu thundered, imploring Congress to expedite the transfer to Israel of billions of dollars in U.S. weapons. “Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster,” he said.

Netanyahu’s address, spanning nearly an hour, occurred as his far-right government nears the start of its tenth month of war in Gaza, where local authorities say 39,000 Palestinians have been killed amid daily bombardment and famine, and as a majority of Israelis say they want him to leave office. He encountered a Congress sharply at odds over the conflict, with Republican leaders upbraiding the dozens of Democrats who boycotted his appearance, and many Democrats appalled by the decision to platform a foreign leader accused of war crimes.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

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[rlmorel]

He should have flipped them the double bird.

“For those of you who have supported us, this does not apply to you.”

[MNJohnnie]

“Jews for Hitler” staged a protest today. The insanity on display today in DC in a post Oct 7th world is unbelievable.

[VeniVidiVici]

Democrats are worried about war crimes? Well, they can always ask an Hamass leader to address congress.

[lightman]

At times Bibi’s speech seemed like a Trump rally...a very good thing!

[Prince of Space]

But it’s okay for the Ukrainian grifter Zelenskyy to appear before Congress several times, right? Has Bibbi been indicted, arrested and convicted for war crimes, or is this comment merely wishful thinking on the part of Demoncrats?

[SteveinSATX]

What? Wapo trying to balance the news? Well it was good while it lasted...

[faithhopecharity]

A great speech. Struck almost all right notes.
(And I’m not a strong Bibi fan, but he’s about the best speaker alive today and is quite reminiscent of Winston Churchill)

[Who is John Galt?]

[Right Wing Vegan]

He brought a lot of cool Israeli warrior heroes with him.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

You guys are worse than those North Korean Generals clapping and smiling incessantly.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

You’re like a childish grade school bully who spends his time giving people wedgies because he doesn’t have brains enough to do anything else.

[rlmorel]

"...quite reminiscent of Winston Churchill..."

High praise indeed! (I view Churchill as one of the greatest, if not the greatest leaders of the 20th Century.)

[faithhopecharity]

agreed!