Requests for support and warnings about Iran
The Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has urgently called on the United States Congress to provide unconditional support for the offensive in Gaza. His request includes the provision of more weapons and has highlighted the growing threat that Iran poses to the security of Israel, the region and the entire world. In his own words, Netanyahu requested: “Provide the tools more quickly and we will complete our tasks sooner.” This statement comes in the context of a staggering 39,000 Palestinian deaths since the Hamas group carried out a deadly attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people.
A speech marked by controversy
This is Netanyahu’s first speech to the US Congress since the start of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. His appearance has been marked by the notable absence of several Democratic legislators, who disagree with the high cost in human lives that the operation in Gaza is generating. At the Capitol, protests have been held that brought together almost 5,000 protesters in favor of the Palestinian cause. Netanyahu, for his part, has stated that these demonstrations are financed and promoted by Iran, referring to the participants as “useful idiots” in favor of Iranian interests.
Goal of total victory in Gaza
In an intense speech, Netanyahu stated that the offensive in the Gaza Strip will continue until a “complete victory” is achieved, although he promised that there will be no reoccupation of the Strip at the end of the conflict. “Israel and the United States must stand together in the face of this threat. When we are united, something simple happens: we succeed and they fail,” Netanyahu commented, earning applause from several lawmakers, mainly Republicans, while many Democrats decided to boycott his appearance.
Tensions with the Biden administration
The invitation extended to Netanyahu to address Congress was made by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, in a growing climate of tension between the Israeli prime minister and the Democratic administration of Joe Biden regarding the war in Gaza. Although the US government is the main supplier of weapons to Israel, it has expressed criticism of the bombings in areas with high population density and has questioned the impact of the attacks on hospitals, in addition to the restrictions on humanitarian aid destined for the enclave. Palestinian. However, Netanyahu has not altered his rhetoric, ensuring that the fight against Hamas will be carried out to the end.
The future of Gaza after the conflict
Netanyahu has said that if Hamas were defeated, a “new Gaza” could emerge, stressing that he has no intention of re-establishing control over the territory. However, he has argued that the State of Israel must maintain “security control” in the region to prevent it from becoming a threat again. During his speech, there was no mention of the possibility of establishing a unified government for the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, nor was there any discussion of the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, proposals that are part of the official US agenda.
Protests in Congress
As Netanyahu was giving his speech, around 5,000 people were protesting against his presence near the Congress, which had a large security presence. The demonstration included the participation of actress and activist Susan Sarandon. Inside, Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, of Palestinian origin, held up a fan accusing Netanyahu of being a “war criminal,” and five spectators were ejected for wearing T-shirts demanding a ceasefire.
Meetings scheduled with US leaders
Netanyahu’s activities in the United States include a scheduled meeting with President Joe Biden, whom he has referred to as a “Zionist,” as well as expressing support for former President Donald Trump, thanking him for moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem during his tenure and promoting the Abraham Accords, which led to the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
