Netanyahu at Joe Lieberman Memorial: He Deeply Understood the Danger of the Islamic Republic

The memorial service for Joe Lieberman, former Senator from Connecticut and chairman of the "Alliance Against a Nuclear Iran," was held on Wednesday, July 25, in Washington, D.C. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, who was in Washington to speak at a joint congressional session, was among the speakers at the event. Netanyahu stated that the late Lieberman was aware of the importance of the closeness between the U.S. and Israel for the preservation of the interests of both countries and had a deep understanding of how dangerous the world would become if the Islamic Republic obtained nuclear weapons as the head of the "Alliance Against a Nuclear Iran." The Israeli Prime Minister added that Joe Lieberman understood that the Islamic Republic is the axis of world terrorism and was in constant contact with him after Hamas's attack on Israel, emphasizing that the focus should be on the "main problem," which is the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to him, Joseph Lieberman told supporters of negotiating with the Islamic Republic: "Those who want to negotiate with the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran should know that this path has been taken before and has led nowhere." He also believed that the "6 billion dollar ransom" that guaranteed the release of American hostages in Iran created the belief among the IRGC's partners in Hamas and the Houthis that this could bring them a lot of money. Mr. Netanyahu described Joseph Lieberman in his speech as a "prominent and influential figure" in various aspects, stating that he was an American patriot who stood by the Jews until the end of his life and demonstrated his support for Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister also mentioned that Lieberman was "unwavering" in his support for Israel and even hours before his death wrote a statement supporting Israel's military operations in Gaza and emphasized support for Israel's legitimate demand to destroy Hamas. Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President, was another figure who paid tribute to Mr. Lieberman and his achievements and values in American politics at the event. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut, who had also spoken at Mr. Lieberman's funeral in April, emphasized before the memorial that this tribute would focus on Mr. Lieberman's commitment to both parties. Senator Lieberman, who was a candidate for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination in the 2000 election, presented himself as an independent politician in the later years of his political career. His support for LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, abortion rights, and environmental goals earned him praise over the years. Joseph Lieberman, a Yale Law School graduate, served as Attorney General of Connecticut from 1983 to 1988. He was a staunch advocate for consumer rights. Prominent political figures in the U.S., including Mike Pence, former Vice President during Donald Trump's administration, Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, John Bolton, former National Security Advisor, and senators from both parties attended this memorial service. Joseph Lieberman passed away on March 27, 2024, at the age of 82 due to complications from a fall.