Netanyahu praised US-Israeli unity and commended President Joe Biden in his forceful speech to US lawmakers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted his commitment to pursuing Israel’s war against Hamas until achieving “total victory” during his address to the United States Congress.
Netanyahu stated he would only agree to a ceasefire if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and releases all hostages. He emphasized Israel’s intent to continue fighting indefinitely until it dismantles Hamas’s military capabilities and secures the return of all hostages.
“Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home,” Netanyahu declared. “That’s what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.”
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s pledge of total victory is unrealistic, noting Hamas’s history of regrouping in areas vacated by the Israeli military.
This development comes as officials from Egypt, Israel, the United States, and Qatar were expected to meet in Doha to discuss a proposed three-phase ceasefire to end the Gaza conflict and free the remaining hostages. However, an Israeli official announced on Wednesday that Israel’s negotiating team was delayed and would likely be dispatched next week.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Washington, chanting “Free, Free Palestine,” with some attempting to block streets ahead of Netanyahu’s speech. Police equipped with gas masks blocked the crowd, which was advocating for an end to the war that has resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths.
US Capitol Police reported on X that some protesters had become “violent” and “failed to obey” orders to move back from the police line. “We are deploying pepper spray toward anyone trying to break the law and cross that line,” Capitol Police stated.
Israeli protesters also called on President Biden to push for a deal to secure the release of hostages. In the gallery overlooking the House chamber, at least six people wore T-shirts saying “Seal the deal now,” urging Netanyahu to finalize an agreement for the return of hostages.
Over 50 leading Democrats and independent Senator Bernie Sanders boycotted Netanyahu’s speech, and Vice President Kamala Harris was notably absent due to a long-scheduled trip.
(Euronews)