Netanyahu at the U.S. Congress: 'The Iranian Terrorism Axis' is Facing Us

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while hundreds of protesters against the Gaza war gathered outside the U.S. Congress building, stated in his speech to U.S. lawmakers that the United States and Israel are facing the 'Iranian terrorism axis.' On Wednesday, July 25, Netanyahu began his speech by addressing the issue of Iran, saying, 'Our world is in chaos. In the Middle East, the Iranian terrorism axis stands against the U.S., Israel, and our Arab friends.' He added, 'This is not a clash of civilizations. This is a battle between barbarism and civilization.' Netanyahu also addressed the protesters outside the Congress building, stating they should be 'ashamed' of themselves and added, 'You have officially become useful idiots for Iran.' Protests around the U.S. Congress began early Wednesday, with several pro-peace Jews in the Gaza war and families of hostages held in Gaza present alongside other war opponents. The Capitol Police announced that five people were arrested in the House of Representatives hallway during Netanyahu's speech for causing a disturbance. In another part of his remarks, Netanyahu reiterated that when Israel acts to prevent the development of nuclear weapons by Iran, it 'protects itself and America.' He assured U.S. lawmakers that his government is actively working to free the remaining hostages held by the extremist group Hamas and expressed confidence that these efforts would succeed. Netanyahu emphasized to the families of the hostages, 'I will not rest until their loved ones return home.' Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union and attacked Israel on October 7 last year, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 240 hostage. Netanyahu reiterated the goal of destroying Hamas's military capabilities in the Gaza war and stated that another objective of Israel is to return the hostages. Regarding his vision for the post-war situation, he stated that Gaza must be removed from military and extremist conditions. The Israeli Prime Minister noted that his country does not intend to reoccupy Gaza but added, 'However, for the near future, we must maintain our overarching security control to prevent the resurgence of terrorism and ensure that Gaza will never again be a threat to Israel.' Netanyahu delivered his speech in Congress while dozens of Democratic representatives boycotted the event, but Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, and other Republican members warmly welcomed him. In another part of his speech, he thanked Joe Biden for 'half a century of friendship with Israel' and expressed gratitude for the U.S. President's efforts to free the hostages. Netanyahu also praised former President Donald Trump for 'everything he has done for Israel.' During his visit to the U.S., Netanyahu has faced renewed criticism from the families of the hostages, stating, 'America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, a simple thing happens: we win, and they lose.' He described accusations against Israel of genocide against Palestinians during the past nine months of attacks on Gaza as 'malicious slanders' aimed at 'delegitimizing Israel, presenting a demonic image of the Jewish state, and portraying Jews everywhere in a demonic light.' He criticized the International Criminal Court for accusing Israel of creating famine for Palestinians in Gaza, calling these accusations 'complete nonsense' and 'absolutely fabricated.' Netanyahu also called for the swift delivery of U.S. military aid to Israel, claiming it would 'accelerate the end of the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East.' He referred to a quote from Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister during World War II, who requested help from the United States, saying, 'Get the tools to us faster, and we will finish the job.' Netanyahu is set to meet with Joe Biden during his visit to the U.S. and will separately meet with Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President and potential Democratic presidential candidate. Politico also reported Netanyahu's request to meet with Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the upcoming presidential election.