Netanyahu Disappoints with Controversial Speech before US Congress Ahead of Biden Meeting, Criticized by American-Israeli Hostages and Hamas
Red before US Congress - Geisel-Families accuse Netanyahu of 'political theater'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disappointed hopes for a swift weapons truce in Gaza with a speech before the US Congress, accompanied by protests. Relatives of eight American-Israeli hostages criticized the appearance as "political theater," according to Israeli media. Netanyahu deflected criticism from the proceedings in Gaza, receiving applause primarily from Republican ranks.
"He missed an opportunity to present new solutions or a new path," reads a statement from the American hostages. "Above all, he missed the opportunity to acknowledge the peace agreement that is now on the table, despite high-ranking Israeli defense and intelligence officials urging him to do so." The prime minister's office confirmed that the planned departure of Israeli envoys for indirect negotiations in Qatar had been canceled just before Netanyahu's speech.
Netanyahu Faces Hefty Criticism for Congress Speech
"This was by far the worst appearance by a foreign dignitary ever granted the privilege of speaking before the US Congress," wrote former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the platform X. The Hamas accused Netanyahu of lying. "Netanyahu's words about intense efforts to bring back the hostages is a blatant lie and leads the Israeli, American, and international public into a misunderstanding," reads a Hamas statement.
Netanyahu did not announce a weapons truce agreement in exchange for hostage release during his speech, contrary to the hopes of relatives of the 120 still-detained hostages in the Gaza Strip. The departure of an Israeli delegation to indirect negotiations in Qatar is now expected in the coming week, confirmed an Israeli representative. The exact date remains uncertain.
Geisel-Freilassung: US Remains Optimistic
The US government remains optimistic and sees the negotiations in the "final stages." "It's time to come to terms," said a high-ranking US government representative. There have been progress and it is assumed that the differences can be overcome. "There are some things we need from the Israeli side, no question," he said. However, "there are also some important things" that only lie in the hands of Hamas. He expects much movement next week.
"I will continue working to end the war in Gaza, bring all hostages home, and bring peace and security to the Middle East," said US President Biden. His relationship with Netanyahu is strained due to Netanyahu's military campaign. Netanyahu is accused by critics of prolonging the war for his own political gain. He governs in a coalition with ultra-religious and right-wing parties, which reject concessions to Hamas and threaten to bring down the government.
Violent Protests outside US Capitol
Violent protests took place outside the US Capitol during Netanyahu's speech, with demonstrators clashing with police and setting fires. The situation remains tense, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Israeli soldiers reportedly seized the bodies of at least three more hostages during an operation in the Gaza Strip, according to media reports. The "Jerusalem Post" reported that one of them was a 56-year-old resident of a kibbutz on the border of the restricted Gaza Strip. While the families of other deceased hostages were informed, Netanyahu "continued his PR tour through the USA" and "put on the brakes," according to the "Times of Israel," quoting the mother of one of the hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu's speech was met with loud protests around the US Capitol building. Part of the crowd became violent, according to Capitol Police. Reports emerged of several arrests. At a Palestinian demonstration, the US government was called upon to stop military aid for Israel. Israel was accused of "genocide" in the Gaza Strip, with Biden, Harris, and top US congressional leaders implicated. Netanyahu was labeled a war criminal.
Families of Israeli hostages protest
Six relatives of Israeli hostages, who attended Netanyahu's speech before Congress, were reportedly arrested by Capitol Police and later released, according to Israeli media. They wore yellow shirts with the inscription "Seal the deal now." In Israel, hundreds of family members had gathered to follow Netanyahu's speech. They too expressed disappointment.
Netanyahu spoke disdainfully about the protests in his speech before both houses of the US Congress. "You are on the side of evil," he said to the protesters. "You are on the side of Hamas. You are on the side of rapists and murderers," Netanyahu told the demonstrators directly, looking at the connections between Hamas and Iran. "You have officially become useful idiots of Iran." Many demonstrators had no idea what they were talking about.
Netanyahu: War ends only with victory over Hamas
Netanyahu confirmed that the war would end only with a victory over Hamas. He thanked the Biden administration for its support in the war and asked for faster weapons deliveries. "Give us the means faster – and we will finish the job faster," Netanyahu said. A meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic presidential candidate is also planned. On Friday, Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
His vision for the following day was "a demilitarized, deradicalized Gaza." Israel does not intend to resettle the Gaza Strip, but must maintain security control there for the foreseeable future, Netanyahu said. He spoke of a civilian administration by "Palestinians who do not want to destroy Israel." For the Middle East, Netanyahu spoke of a security alliance between Israel and the US against Iran.
- In response to Netanyahu's speech, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized his appearance as the "worst appearance by a foreign dignitary ever granted the privilege of speaking before the US Congress."
- The Hamas accused Netanyahu of lying, stating that his words about intensive efforts to bring back hostages were a blatant lie leading the Israeli, American, and international public into a misunderstanding.
- During Netanyahu's speech before the US Congress, relatives of eight American-Israeli hostages criticized his appearance as "political theater" and expressed disappointment over his failure to acknowledge the peace agreement on the table.
- Binyamin Netanyahu deflected criticism from the proceedings in Gaza, receiving applause primarily from Republican ranks in the US Congress.
- Kamala Harris, the Democratic Vice President of the United States, is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, following his plans to visit Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
- According to media reports, Israeli soldiers seized the bodies of at least three more hostages during an operation in the Gaza Strip, causing concern among the families of the deceased hostages and sparking further protests.
- Joe Biden, the US President, has expressed his desire to bring an end to the war in Gaza, bring all hostages home, and bring peace and security to the Middle East, despite the strained relationship with Netanyahu due to his military campaign.
