What Was Missing in Netanyahu’s Speech Before Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. He called on Congress to support Israel in a bipartisan way but did not declare the war with Hamas over. He also failed to present a plan to free the hostages. Netanyahu characterized protesters against the Gaza War as anti-American, noting their enthusiasm for burning the American flag. The speech featured many special guests from Israel, including a freed hostage and members of the Israeli military who fought against Hamas. Among them were a Muslim Israeli citizen and a member of the Ethiopian Jewish community, known as Falasha.

Before the speech, Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American Democratic Congresswoman from Michigan, held up a double-sided sign reading “guilty of genocide” on one side and “war criminal” on the other. The sergeant-at-arms’ staff asked her to lay the sign on the floor, which she did. Netanyahu’s invitation came from Republican Congressman Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House. Congressional Republicans criticized President Biden for not agreeing to deliver large bombs, fearing potential civilian casualties if used by the Israeli Defense Forces.

Netanyahu addressed this issue, claiming that Israel could crush Hamas without the delivery of several U.S.-made weapons systems. He mentioned, without providing details, that both the United States and Israel had procured weapons capable of combating terrorists. He did not discuss Palestinian casualties or provide a specific defense strategy on Israel’s right to self-defense. Additionally, he did not present a plan for governing Gaza post-conflict but stated that Israel does not intend to resettle Gaza. However, some of Netanyahu’s cabinet members have advocated for Israeli settlements in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s visit to Washington did not achieve much success. The constant stream of news about Biden, Trump, Kamala Harris, and others overshadowed his visit. He could have delivered his speech from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, several Democratic lawmakers boycotted Netanyahu’s speech. According to POLITICO, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland stated, “I refuse to be a political prop in this act of deception because he’s not the great guardian of the U.S.-Israel relationship.” Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is Jewish, said, “To the best of my knowledge, however, tomorrow will be unique: in bringing Prime Minister Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress, it will be the first time in American history that a war criminal has been given that honor.”

Netanyahu harshly criticized Iran, saying, “I have a message for these protesters. When the tyrants of Tehran, who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair, are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.” He attempted to link the national security interests of the United States and Israel, stating, “We’re not only protecting ourselves, we’re protecting you.” His speech continued with, “Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory. Ladies and gentlemen, that victory is in sight. Israel’s defeat of Hamas will be a powerful blow to Iran’s axis of terror.”

Much analysis can be offered on Netanyahu’s speech. He rejected the idea of a clash of civilizations, describing the fight with Hamas as a battle between civilization and barbarism. Yet, the concept of a clash of civilizations suggests that future wars will be fought between different cultures and ethnic identities, not just between civilizations and barbarism. Barbarism is a cultural trait and can emerge from even the most sophisticated civilizations.

Congress should not dictate U.S. foreign policy, which must promote unified American national interests, not special interests. Overall, Congress cannot force the U.S. Government to adopt the ideas proposed in Netanyahu’s speech. A fair question is how far Congress can go in endorsing Israel’s war in Gaza or its treatment of the Palestinians. Netanyahu boasted of an Israeli-American alliance but failed to provide a cost-benefit analysis of how much the Gaza War has negatively affected America and the world.

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