The Prime Minister of Israel is visiting the United States.
In the congress, he is met with a standing ovation.
– The vile accusations that paint Israel as racist and genocidal are meant to reduce Israel’s legitimacy, demonize the Jewish state and demonize Jews everywhere, says Benjamin Netanyahu in his speech.
Israel’s prime minister is visiting the United States, while relations between the countries are strained due to the war in Gaza. The Israeli government has said the purpose of the visit is to secure US support for Israel.
Among other things, Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. The latter has said he wants an end to the war in Gaza.
Standing ovations
Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech in Congress by thanking the members for the invitation, which he says he is “very honored” by. He said he was “convinced” that the United States and Israel together will “destroy tyrants and terrorists” who threaten both countries.
– We are at a historic crossroads. If civilization is to prevail, Israel and the United States must stand together, he says, among other things, in the speech, reports The Guardian.
The speech was boycotted by around 30 members, but was otherwise met with long, standing ovations.
“Iran’s Useful Idiots”
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets near the Capitol building in Washington DC throughout the day. They demand an end to the war in Gaza and for the US to end all support for Israel.
Benjamin Netanyahu condemned these protesters in his speech, saying the protesters “should be ashamed” and are “Iran’s useful idiots,” reports CNN.
– Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now, outside this building.
Among other things, he highlighted in the speech that some of the demonstrators are holding up signs that say “gays for Gaza”.
– They would just as easily hold up signs that say “chickens for KFC” (fast food restaurant chain that serves fried chicken, ed. note).
Five people have been arrested by police after disrupting the speech in Congress.