In a stirring address to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the interlinked fates of Israel and the United States, asserting, "If Israel falls, America will be next. Our war is your war, our enemies are your enemies, and our victory is the victory of the United States."
Netanyahu's speech, delivered amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, called for unwavering solidarity between the two nations. "We are at a historic crossroads," he stated. "The Middle East is exploding, and the conflict is not between civilizations, but between barbarity and civilization. America and Israel must stand together, and when we do that, we will win and they will lose. I came to assure you that we will win."
Highlighting recent military achievements, Netanyahu mentioned the successful rescue of 135 hostages, emphasizing Israel's resilience and determination. He drew a stark comparison between the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israeli territories and the September 11 attacks on the United States, describing the former as "20 times more intense."
Anti-Iran Rhetoric
Netanyahu's address took a sharp turn against Iran, blaming the nation for funding anti-Zionist demonstrations in America and destabilizing the region. "The Middle East is facing the Iranian axis," he claimed, further accusing Iran of manipulating international perceptions and legal proceedings against Israel. "The International Criminal Court relies on forgery and lies to accuse Israel! The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court accused Israel of starving the people of Gaza without any evidence, and this is nonsense and fabrication!"
Defense and Justification
Despite international criticism, Netanyahu defended Israel's military actions in Gaza, insisting that "the number of casualties in the Gaza war is the lowest in the history of urban warfare." He reinforced the necessity of these actions to prevent future attacks similar to those on October 7.
Netanyahu also sought to secure continued U.S. support, both financially and militarily, by underlining the shared threats both nations face. "While we are fighting Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, we are also fighting Iran. If Israel falls, America will be next. Our war is your war, our enemies are your enemies, and our victory is the victory of the United States."
Gratitude and Condemnation
Expressing gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu thanked him for his contributions to Israel's security and diplomatic standing. However, he did not shy away from attacking his detractors, particularly those protesting his policies in the U.S. "After accusing Iran of financing anti-Israeli demonstrations in America, Netanyahu attacked the protesters, calling them 'useful idiots for Iran.'"
Jerusalem's Status
Netanyahu concluded his speech by reiterating a long-standing Israeli position: "Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel and cannot be divided again." This statement underscores Israel's firm stance on one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Implications
Netanyahu's address to Congress underscores the deep strategic and ideological ties between the United States and Israel. By framing the Middle East conflict as a battle between barbarity and civilization, Netanyahu seeks to align U.S. and Israeli interests even more closely, calling for continued and robust American support. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, his speech serves as a reminder of the complex and interwoven fates of these two allied nations.
