Netanyahu in the U.S. Congress: Israel Fights for American Interests Against the Islamic Republic

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, on Wednesday, August 3, called for strengthening American support for Israel's battle against Hamas militants and other groups supported by the Islamic Republic during his speech in the U.S. Congress, stating, "Israel fights for American interests in its battle against the Islamic Republic." According to the Israeli Prime Minister, "the Islamic Republic's terrorism axis stands against America, Israel, and our Arab friends in the Middle East." He emphasized that this is not a clash of civilizations but a confrontation between "barbarism and civilization." In another part of his speech, referring to anti-Israel protests outside the U.S. Congress, he described the protesters as "useful idiots for the Islamic Republic." He continued by claiming that the Islamic Republic supports the anti-Israel demonstrations occurring outside the Congress building and in various parts of the city. Netanyahu alleged that the protesters stand alongside Hamas, aggressors, and murderers. The Israeli Prime Minister further stated that Israel fights for American interests in the region when confronting the Islamic Republic's proxy groups. He also claimed that Israel fights for American interests in its battle against the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu said, "Iran understands that to genuinely challenge America, it must first conquer the Middle East, and for this, it uses its proxy forces, including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas." He added that in the heart of the Middle East, Israel, a proud supporter of American democracy, stands in the way of the Islamic Republic. The Prime Minister stated that the Islamic Republic's goal is first Israel and then America. According to Netanyahu, when Israel fights Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, it is fighting the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin to express solidarity with Israeli hostages held by Hamas, said that America and Israel must stand together. He added, "When we stand together, something truly great happens; we win, they lose." Netanyahu received a warm welcome from Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and other Republican lawmakers who arranged his speech in the House chamber. Mr. Johnson stated shortly before Netanyahu's speech, "Today and every day, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel." He received a standing ovation from both parties. With this speech, Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to speak four times at a joint session of the U.S. Congress. One of the released Israeli hostages and the families of some victims killed by Hamas militants were also present at this session. More than 50 Democratic representatives and Bernie Sanders, an independent representative, boycotted Netanyahu's speech in Congress. Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, who serves as the President of the Senate, was absent from the session due to a previously scheduled event. Senator Patty Murray from Washington, the next Democrat in line, also refrained from attending the session, which is why Senator Ben Cardin, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, replaced her as a "temporary senator." Netanyahu at the memorial for Joe Lieberman: He deeply understood the danger of the Islamic Republic. The beginning of a new round of Israeli attacks in Gaza coincided with Netanyahu's trip to America. Hundreds of Jews opposed to arms sales to Israel gathered in an office building of the U.S. Congress. Netanyahu's presence in Washington; Joe Biden sent a message, Kamala Harris expressed readiness to meet.