Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a defiant address before Congress on Wednesday, castigating critics of Israel's war in Gaza as he vowed to secure victory against Hamas. The Israeli leader's speech was charged with symbolism, reflecting the deep divide among lawmakers over the ongoing conflict in the region.
These were the updates for Wednesday, July 24, when Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his fourth speech to the US Congress. The last time Netanyahu addressed Congress almost a decade ago, at least 58 Democrats boycotted his speech, highlighting the political tensions surrounding his leadership.
In his address, Netanyahu portrayed the war in Gaza as a “clash between barbarism and civilization,” emphasizing Israel's commitment to defending itself against terrorist threats. He criticized those who have questioned Israel's actions in the conflict, asserting that the country has the right to protect its citizens.
The speech by Israel's leader underscored the complexity of the situation in the Middle East, where geopolitical tensions and historical grievances have fueled ongoing conflicts. Netanyahu's strong rhetoric resonated with supporters of Israel, while drawing condemnation from critics who view his policies as exacerbating the violence.
The following is a transcript of the July 24 address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a joint session of Congress, where he outlined his government's strategy for achieving victory in Gaza. Netanyahu's speech highlighted the challenges facing Israel in the region, as well as the broader implications of the conflict for international security.
The following is the full text of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech before a joint session of Congress on July 25, 2024, where he reiterated his commitment to defeating Hamas and restoring peace to the region. Netanyahu's address was met with applause from some lawmakers, while others expressed skepticism about his approach to the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in a scathing speech to Congress to achieve “total victory” against Hamas and criticized those who have questioned Israel's actions in the conflict. Netanyahu's speech was met with mixed reactions, reflecting the deep divisions within Congress over the issue.
Hundreds of protesters marched outside the Capitol and roughly 40 Democrats boycotted the speech in protest of Netanyahu's handling of the conflict in Gaza. The ongoing violence in the region has sparked passionate debate among lawmakers, with some calling for a more diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis.
