Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the US for the first time since the start of the conflict in Gaza. He addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, urging lawmakers not to let up with military aid to his country.
Republican lawmakers arranged the visit. Some Democrats, however, boycotted the speech, and are calling Netanyahu a “war criminal” for allowing his forces to kill more than 39,000 Palestinians.
The Vice President presides over the Senate and traditionally leads joint sessions. But Kamala Harris skipped the address, citing a scheduling conflict, just days into her campaign for president.
Netanyahu has been determined to press ahead with fighting in Gaza until he achieves his goals. He wants to bring back all the hostages, eliminate Hamas, and ensure the militants no longer pose a threat. “Our enemies are your enemies,” he told lawmakers. “Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory.”
Netanyahu said every civilian death is a “tragedy” for Israelis, but for Hamas, it is a “strategy.” He said he does not want to resettle Gaza but stressed the territory needs to be demilitarized, de-radicalized, and led by Palestinians who do not want to destroy Israel. He asked lawmakers to provide “the tools” to “get the job done faster.”
Thousands of protestors gathered outside the Capitol, calling for Netanyahu to be arrested. Some were arrested themselves, after scuffling with police.
Netanyahu will meet with President Joe Biden on Thursday at the White House. On Friday, he will travel to Florida to meet with former President Donald Trump.