WASHINGTON. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday was a fiery declaration of his intent to secure “total victory” in Gaza. During the high-profile speech, Netanyahu not only reiterated the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance but also criticized American war protesters sharply. He described them as “idiots” and “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries, reflecting the deep divisions the ongoing conflict has created within the United States.
In his speech, Netanyahu emphasized the shared interests between the U.S. and Israel in their fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed groups. He asserted, “America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose.” Netanyahu also displayed a yellow pin in solidarity with Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, he chose not to directly address the ongoing U.S.-led negotiations for a cease-fire and the release of hostages, maintaining a firm stance on his objectives.
The speech was met with mixed reactions. While Netanyahu received frequent applause from some lawmakers, many Democratic members of Congress chose to boycott the address. Outside the Capitol, thousands protested the war and the humanitarian crisis it has exacerbated. The demonstrations turned chaotic, with instances of vandalism and violent confrontations with police.
Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This visit comes at a critical juncture as Biden seeks to finalize a proposal to release remaining hostages in Gaza, an initiative that could mark a significant achievement for his administration. Harris, under scrutiny from both the political left and right, will also engage with Netanyahu separately. She is navigating a delicate balance between demonstrating her commitment to Israel and addressing concerns from her political base about the conflict’s humanitarian impact.
The pressure on both Netanyahu and U.S. leaders is mounting, with Netanyahu facing demands from hostage families for a cease-fire and criticism from far-right members of his coalition against any agreements that might limit military actions against Hamas. As Netanyahu continues his diplomatic efforts, including a planned meeting with former President Donald Trump, the situation remains highly complex and charged with geopolitical implications.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
