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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday (July 24), emphasizing the strong bond between the U.S. and Israel amidst ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This marks Netanyahu's fourth address to Congress, more than any other foreign leader in history.
"We meet today at a crossroads of history," said Netanyahu at the beginning of his speech. "Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Iran's axis of terror confronts America, Israel, and our Arab friends."
Netanyahu drew parallels between the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the infamous attacks on Pearl Harbor and the World Trade Center, stating that October 7 "began as a perfect day, not a cloud in the sky" before turning into a day of infamy.
In his speech, Netanyahu recognized several Israel Defense Force service members present in the audience, applauding their accomplishments.
"These are the soldiers of Israel, unbowed, undaunted, unafraid," he said.
Netanyahu also ripped into anti-Israel protesters, calling them "useful idiots" for the enemies of Israel.
"Many anti-Israel protesters, many choose to stand with evil," he said. "They stand with Hamas."
"They should be ashamed of themselves," he added.
Netanyahu's speech was met with controversy, with several progressive Democrats choosing to attend a counter-programming event on Capitol Hill instead of the address. Among those in attendance were Representatives Jim Clyburn, Pramila Jayapal, and Jim McGovern.
The Israeli Prime Minister's visit to Washington, D.C., comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani regarding the same.
Netanyahu is set to meet with President Joe Biden on Thursday to discuss the potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, as well as the United States' "ironclad commitment to Israel's security."