Benjamin Netanyahu Congress speech recap — Israeli PM warns ‘America is next’ in address as protesters pepper-sprayed
ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery address to Congress as pro-Gaza protesters flooded Washington DC.
Riot cops pepper-sprayed demonstrators near the Capitol building while other protesters were seen burning American flags near Union Station.
Netanyahu delivered a stark warning that "America is next" if the US doesn't support Israel against the "axis of terror" led by Iran in the Middle East.
He addressed senators and representatives as Israel continues its war in Gaza - which has been raging since Hamas slaughtered more than 1,000 Israelis on October 7.
Also present in the audience for his address was tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been vocal in his support of Israel.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were not in the chamber to hear Netanyahu speak - but Biden will meet him today at the White House.
Police erected a ring of steel around the Capitol with metal barriers and were out in force to face off with protesters who had vowed a "day of rage."
The Israeli PM raged that those demonstrators were "Iran's useful idiots" as he addressed a divided house - with at least 86 Democrats vowing to skip his remarks.
"For Iran, Israel is first, America is next. So, when Israel fights Hamas, we're fighting Iran," Netanyahu said.
"When we fight Hezbollah, we're fighting Iran. When we fight the Houthis, we're fighting Iran. And when we fight Iran, we're fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the US.
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"And one more thing. When Israel acts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons that could destroy Israel and threaten every American city, every city that you come from, we're not only protecting ourselves, we're protecting you.
"Our enemies are your enemies and our fight is your fight. Our victory will be your victory."
Netanyahu remains under pressure at home over his handling of the war - which Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry claims has cost the lives of nearly 40,000 Palestinians.
Israel has vowed to continue the fight until Hamas has been destroyed and they have freed the remaining 116 hostages being held captive in Gaza.
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Netanyahu thanks Biden and Trump for support
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump for their support of Israel.
"We will continue to work with the United States and our Arab partners to transform a troubled region, from a backwater of oppression, poverty and war into a thriving oasis of dignity, prosperity and peace," he said.
"On behalf of the people of Israel, I came here today to say: Thank you, America. Thank you for your support and solidarity. Thank you for standing with Israel in our hour of need."
"#NetanyahuWarCriminal" trends
"#NetanyahuWarCriminal" has been trending on X throughout the day as chaos unfolded in Washington, D.C.
Riot police used pepper spray on demonstrators near the Capitol building, while other protesters burned American flags near Union Station.
To manage the unrest, police erected metal barriers around the Capitol and deployed a significant force to face off with protesters who had declared a "day of rage."
According to police, five individuals were arrested inside the Capitol for attempting to disrupt Netanyahu's address.
Netanyahu wants US military aid
Netanyahu portrayed the war in Gaza as a critical struggle for Israel’s survival, appealing for increased U.S. military aid.
“When we fight Iran, we're combating the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States,” Netanyahu said.
“Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory.”
Netanyahu to meet Harris later; Trump on Friday
Following today’s meeting with President Biden, Netanyahu will have a separate meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris did not preside over Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Wednesday, opting instead to attend a pre-scheduled sorority event in Indiana.
Former President Donald Trump has also confirmed a meeting with Netanyahu on Friday.
Netanyahu meets with Johnson and Schumer
Before his speech, Netanyahu met with both House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
In his address to Congress, Netanyahu spoke about Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, which has continued since Hamas' violent attack on October 7 that killed over 1,000 Israelis.
Also present in the audience was tech billionaire Elon Musk, a vocal supporter of Israel.
An applau-cous reception
In a 56-minute speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received 50 rounds of applause. His arrival was met with a minute-long standing ovation, though three Democratic members chose not to stand.
The speech comes amid growing domestic pressure over his handling of the conflict in Gaza. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the war.
Israel has vowed to continue with its military campaign until Hamas has been dismantled and the remaining 116 hostages held in Gaza are freed.
A full house?
As many House and Senate Democrats skipped Netanyahu's speech, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez explained on X that the empty seats would be filled with non-members.
"When this happens, they fill the seats with non-members, like what they do at award ceremonies, in order to project the appearance of full attendance and support."
Biden to host Netanyahu at White House
President Joe Biden will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House today to discuss progress towards a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Credit: AP "Many don't have a clue"
Netanyahu criticised pro-Palestine supporters, claiming many of them "don't have a clue."
"Some of the protestors hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza'. They might as well hold up signs saying 'Chickens for KFC.'"
Netanyahu's speech was met with frequent applause from Congress.
Credit: Rex
Sanders slams Netanyahu
Senator Bernie Sanders accused Benjamin Netanyahu of being a war criminal and liar.
Writing on X, Sanders said: "Israelis want him out of office. So he came to Congress to campaign."
Senior democrats boycott speech
Netanyahu's speech faced boycotts and criticism from senior Democrats, with both Elizabeth Warren and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opting not to attend.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib held a sign during Netanyahu's speech that read 'guilty of genocide'.
The sign has been criticised by Republicans, with Randy Weber writing on X that she should be "run out of town."
Netanyahu ends speech
"May god bless Israel. May god bless America, and may god protect the great alliance between Israel and America forever, " Netanyahu said at the end of his speech.