Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed for his country and the United States to stand together in a landmark speech Wednesday aimed at rallying support from a US Congress divided over his military campaign in Gaza.
“For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together,” Netanyahu said, after arriving to applause and cheers from Republicans and a much more muted reception from Democrats.
Israel, the US and the Arab world are under threat from Iran’s “axis of terror,” Netanyahu told US lawmakers. “Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization,” Netanyahu went on.
He also expressed confidence in efforts to secure the release of hostages seized by Hamas, with Noa Argamani, who had been held by the militants, in attendance.
“I’m confident that these efforts can succeed, some of them are taking place right now,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu brought up the September 11 attacks, saying the attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023, was the equivalent of “twenty 9/11s in one day” based on population size.
Netanyahu addressed accusations from the International Criminal Court (ICC) that Israel has intentionally starved Gazans while waging its war.
“This is utter, complete nonsense,” he claimed during his Congress address. “It’s a complete fabrication,” he continued, adding that the ICC is trying to “shackle Israel’s hands.”
The Israeli prime minister also called accusations that Israeli is engaged in genocide against Palestinians in Gaza “outrageous slanders.”
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced in May that he had requested arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders and two Israeli politicians, Netanyahu and Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the October 7 attacks in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Demilitarizing Gaza
Netanyahu went on to call for a demilitarized and deradicalized post-war Gaza, laying out his vision for the narrow coastal territory devastated by nine months of war.
“Following our victory, with the help of regional partners, the demilitarization and deradicalization of Gaza can also lead to a future of security, prosperity and peace. That’s my vision for Gaza,” Netanyahu told US lawmakers.
Meanwhile, he called on the US to fast-track military aid to his country to help end the war in Gaza, after previously accusing Washington of holding up assistance.
“I deeply appreciate America’s support, including in this current war. But this is an exceptional moment. Fast-tracking US military aid could dramatically expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East,” Netanyahu told the US Congress.
Northern front
Israel will do “whatever it must” to secure its northern border, where its forces are engaged in near-daily clashes with Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, Netanyahu told US lawmakers.
“Let me be clear: Israel will do whatever it must do to restore security to our northern border and return our people safely to their homes,” the prime minister said, referring to those displaced by the fighting.
Gratitude for Trump and Biden
Netanyahu praised Republican candidate Donald Trump for his support of Israel, while also thanking President Joe Biden for his efforts to free hostages held by Hamas.
“I… want to thank President Trump for all the things he did for Israel. From recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Iran’s aggression to recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and moving the American embassy there,” Netanyahu told US lawmakers, referring to steps Trump took while in office.
And “I want to thank President Biden for his tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages,” he said, referring to people seized by Hamas during the militants’ shock October 2023 attack.
With AFP
