Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses US Congress amid Gaza conflict

Historic Address and Crossroads of History

In his speech, Netanyahu emphasized the shared interests and threats faced by both Israel and the United States. “Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory,” Netanyahu proclaimed, receiving a standing ovation from the packed House chamber.

He assured the lawmakers, “As we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back.”

Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to congressional leaders and lawmakers for the “profound” honour of addressing Congress.

He spoke of a world in turmoil, with Iran’s “axis of terror” confronting the US, Israel, and its Arab allies. “This is not a clash of civilization,” he stated. “It is a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together.”

The Israeli leader recalled the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, describing the day as one when “heaven turned into hell.”

Gratitude to President Biden and Denouncement of Protesters

Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden for his “heartfelt” support following the October 7 attacks, noting their longstanding friendship spanning over 40 years.

Netanyahu expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support from the United States, highlighting the substantial military aid approved by Congress in April.

The US had promised to provide up to US$26 billion in military aid, including US$9.1 billion for humanitarian needs.

This assistance, he stated, underscores the enduring bond and strategic partnership between the two nations.

“America’s commitment to Israel’s security is a testament to our shared values and common goals,” Netanyahu said, praising the bipartisan effort to support Israel during its time of need.

He criticized anti-Israel protesters outside the Capitol, suggesting they were possibly funded by Iran.

“For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now, outside this building,” he claimed, dismissing their slogans as ill-informed.

Controversial Claims and International Criticism

Netanyahu reiterated controversial claims about Hamas’s actions on October 7, which investigations have found to be unsubstantiated. He stated that men were beheaded and babies burned alive. However, these gruesome stories have been widely questioned, with little evidence to support such assertions.

Moreover, Haaretz revealed that the Hannibal Directive, which involved Israeli soldiers being ordered to kill civilians and soldiers to prevent their capture by Hamas, was issued.

A U.N. fact-finding team found “reasonable grounds” to believe that some of those who stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7 had committed sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. However, the absence of forensic evidence and survivor testimony made it impossible to determine the scope of such violence. Hamas has denied its forces committed sexual violence.

Netanyahu also condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s accusations that Israel is deliberately starving civilians in Gaza, calling them “utter, complete nonsense.”

Despite his denial, numerous rights groups and UN human rights experts have accused Israel of conducting a “targeted starvation campaign” in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of numerous Palestinian children.

Reports indicate that Israeli forces have systematically cut off supplies of food and water, displaced more than 90 per cent of the population, and wiped out entire neighbourhoods.

Reports of Famine and Starvation

On 9 July, a group of independent experts reported that famine has spread across the entire Gaza Strip, evidenced by recent child fatalities due to hunger and malnutrition.

The determination of famine conditions rests with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed global monitor, which previously warned of high famine risk in Gaza due to the ongoing war and restricted aid access.

As of last month, more than 495,000 people in Gaza, over a fifth of the population, were experiencing the most severe level of food insecurity.

International Arrest Warrants and War Crimes

In May this year, the ICC sought arrest warrants for several key figures, including Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7 attacks on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. The charges include causing extermination and starvation as warfare methods, including denying humanitarian aid and deliberately targeting civilians.

Calls for a Regional Alliance and Post-War Vision

Netanyahu called for a regional alliance to counter Iran’s influence, suggesting it be named the “Abraham Alliance.” He expressed confidence in achieving “total victory” over Hamas and outlined a vision for a demilitarized and de-radicalized post-war Gaza, likening it to the reconstruction of Germany and Japan after World War II.

“Israel does not seek to settle Gaza. But for the foreseeable future, we must retain overriding security control there to prevent the resurgence of terror, to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” he said.

Reactions and Ongoing Conflict

Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri responded to Netanyahu’s remarks, asserting that they demonstrate his lack of interest in ending the war. “Netanyahu’s speech was full of lies, and it will not succeed in covering up for the failure and defeat in the face of the resistance,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

He added that the address would also not “cover up for the crimes of the war of genocide his army is committing against the people of Gaza.”

In a statement, Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, condemned Netanyahu’s speech as “a party of lies” delivered by “the criminal Netanyahu.”

Netanyahu, facing charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust in Israel, remains a controversial figure. Critics allege that he is clinging to power to avoid legal repercussions.

It bears noting that Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, bribery, and breach of trust in three cases filed in 2019. He can be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine if convicted in a bribery case.

Netanyahu’s continued tenure as prime minister is seen by many as a strategic move to evade prosecution. His critics argue that he is willing to jeopardize both regional stability and global peace to stay in office, as holding power may shield him from imprisonment where he could potentially spend the rest of his life.