Netanyahu comes to Washington
Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington this week has been a rollercoaster of political drama, diplomacy, and controversy.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visited Washington, primarily to address a joint session of Congress and meet with President Biden and Vice President Harris to discuss the urgent need to free hostages held by Hamas and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen nearly 40,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s speech to Congress was a mix of defiance and gratitude. He staunchly defended Israel's actions in Gaza, countering accusations that the country has failed to protect civilian lives and is starving the population. He praised both President Biden and former President Trump for their support, affirming America's bipartisan backing of Israel. Netanyahu denied accusations from the International Criminal Court about deliberately cutting off food to Gazans, reiterated that Israel targets Hamas, not civilians, and highlighted Israel's efforts to warn Gazans to evacuate. Netanyahu proposed a vision of a demilitarized and de-radicalized Gaza and underscored that Israel's conflict is part of a broader battle against Iran, which he described as a threat to global peace.
Outside the Capitol, protesters were out in force. Netanyahu called them “useful idiots for Iran.” Some condemned the Israeli military campaign, while others called for Netanyahu’s arrest on war crimes charges. The largest demonstration was on Wednesday, with thousands marching around the Capitol demanding action. Security was tight, with fencing around key locations and increased police presence.
Netanyahu’s visit comes as the U.S. is still reeling from Biden’s surprise decision to step down, passing the torch to Harris, who skipped Netanyahu’s speech to visit Indianapolis on a pre-scheduled campaign trip. As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Harris is balancing a delicate line as she tries to straddle divisions in the Democratic party over Israel’s handling of the war– standing by Israel’s right to defend itself but acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
After meeting with Netanyahu, Harris said Israel’s conflict with Hamas is complex and "too often, the conversation is binary when the reality is anything but." She added, "We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent."