Amid applause and sharp whistling, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech before Congress. He affirmed that "the attack on October 7 will not be repeated," stating that "the Hamas attack on October 7 is like September 11 multiplied by 20." He continued, "We need America by our side to achieve our goals," noting that Tel Aviv has returned 135 hostages held by Hamas. In response to the applause from attendees, he said, "I came to assure you of one thing: we will prevail," indicating that peaceful efforts to return the captives would succeed. The Israeli Prime Minister also mentioned that Tel Aviv would not rest until all hostages are returned, adding, "I thank Biden for his position after the brutal October 7 attack."
Regarding the protests in America, Netanyahu stated that Iran funds these protests, asserting, "Iran threatens Israel and the countries in the region." In response to protesters outside Congress, he told them, "You fools, you have officially become a pawn in Iran's hands."
On the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, he stated, "Hunger in Gaza is caused by Hamas stealing humanitarian aid." He continued, "Hamas lies to pressure us to end the war." He remarked that "the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, accused Israel without evidence of starving the people of Gaza, which is nonsense and fabrication," claiming that "the people of Gaza suffer hunger because Hamas steals food aid" and that "Hamas spreads lies to pressure Israel to end the war." Netanyahu emphasized that "we will not allow a repetition of the October 7 attacks, no matter the pressure we face."
In remarks directed to Congress members, Netanyahu stated, "Thank you for rejecting the false claims of the International Criminal Court." He continued, "The lies of the International Criminal Court try to tie Israel's hands and prevent us from defending ourselves," adding, "Israeli soldiers should not be condemned for how they conduct war in Gaza, but praised." He noted, "I tell my friends in the Middle East that Iran is the source of all terrorism and chaos and seeks to impose radical Islam."
Netanyahu considered that "the United States will be the next target if Israel's hands are tied." He expressed that "the Iranian regime has been fighting the United States since its inception... and when we fight Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, we are fighting Iran." He stated, "Iran knows it must control the Middle East first to confront the United States." Speaking to Congress members, he noted, "Our war is your war, and our enemies are your enemies, and our victory is a victory for the United States... We are not just protecting ourselves, but the United States as well."
He argued that "when Israel acts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, it protects itself and the United States," and indicated that "victory is on the horizon, and defeating Hamas will be a severe blow to the Iranian terror axis." Regarding the northern front with Hezbollah, Netanyahu stated, "We wish for our citizens to return to the north through diplomatic means, but Israel will do what it must to restore security to its northern borders." He added that "whoever attacks Israel will pay a heavy price... and accelerating American aid to Israel will speed up the end of the war in Gaza and achieve victory."
The Israeli Prime Minister asserted that "the war in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, lays down its arms, and returns the captives," declaring, "We will not settle for anything less than a complete victory over Hamas." He claimed that "the new generation of Palestinians should not learn to hate Jews but live peacefully with them," stating, "A new Gaza can emerge the day after Hamas is defeated," and asserted that "Israel does not seek to displace the population of Gaza."
He emphasized, "There must be civilian administration in Gaza led by Palestinians who do not want to destroy Israel," adding, "We must retain security control over Gaza for the foreseeable future to prevent the return of terrorism." Netanyahu revealed, "I look forward to a new alliance in the Middle East that extends the Abraham Accords," considering that "all countries that will make peace with Israel should be invited to join our alliance; this new alliance in the Middle East can be called the Abraham Alliance." He stated, "America and Israel can form a security alliance in the Middle East to confront the Iranian threat."
This visit comes amid protests and dissatisfaction among some American lawmakers regarding the management of the war in Gaza, while the Israeli Prime Minister faces internal pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to enable the release of hostages in Gaza. The newspaper "Politico" reported on Wednesday that a significant number of Democratic Party members of the U.S. Congress boycotted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech today. According to the paper, more than 50 members of the Democratic Party in Congress announced their plans to boycott Netanyahu's speech or not attend.
