Addressing Congress, Netanyahu Declares: 'Our Victory Will Be Your Victory'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received enthusiastic applause and frequent standing ovations from both sides of the aisle during his address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday. Over the course of an hour, Netanyahu highlighted the enduring U.S.-Israeli relationship, called for a decisive victory over Hamas, and urged the United States to help defeat the Iranian regime, which he described as a threat to both Israel and the world.

Netanyahu began by expressing the profound honor he felt addressing Congress for the fourth time. “In the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror confronts Israel, America and our Arab friends,” he said. “This is not a clash between civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilizations. It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life.” Emphasizing the necessity of unity, he declared, “Israel and the United States must stand together for the forces of civilization to triumph. We will win.”

Reflecting on the tragic events of October 7, Netanyahu recounted the horrors inflicted by 3,000 Palestinian terrorists who invaded Israel, describing atrocities that turned "heaven into hell." He acknowledged the presence of Israeli soldiers and family members of hostages in the audience, vowing to secure the release of those still held captive in Gaza’s "dungeons." Netanyahu noted, “Israel has already brought home 135 of these hostages, including seven who were freed during rescue operations.”

The Prime Minister praised U.S. President Joe Biden for his unwavering support, particularly highlighting Biden’s visit to Israel on October 18. He called the visit "a gesture that will never be forgotten," demonstrating the deep bond between the two nations.

Netanyahu also addressed the anti-Israel protests outside the Capitol and on U.S. college campuses. He labeled these protesters and their enablers as “useful idiots” for the Iranian regime, accusing them of betraying liberal values. “Malicious lies have long been leveled at the Jewish people and are now being directed at the Jewish state,” he stated. Netanyahu stressed that claims of Israel being racist and genocidal aim to delegitimize and demonize both Israel and Jews worldwide.

Reiterating the connection between Israel’s struggles and broader global security, Netanyahu said, “When Israel fights Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, we’re fighting Iran. When we fight Iran, we’re fighting the most radical and murderous enemy of the United States of America. Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory.”

The Prime Minister called on U.S. lawmakers to fast-track military aid, likening the current situation to Winston Churchill’s plea during World War II. “Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster,” he urged, drawing parallels between Israel’s current battle and Britain’s historical fight for civilization.

With this address, Netanyahu surpassed British wartime leader Winston Churchill as the foreign leader who has addressed a joint session of Congress the most times, having spoken in 1996, 2011, 2015, and now in 2024.

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