In a speech before the U.S. Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a Gaza stripped of weapons and free of extremists following the end of the war. “After our victory, with the help of our regional partners, a demilitarized Gaza, free from extremists, can also lead to a future of security, prosperity, and peace. This is my vision for Gaza,” Netanyahu stated on Wednesday.
He emphasized that Israel will accept nothing less than complete victory in its war in Gaza. Netanyahu added that the war could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders and returns the hostages. “There must be a Palestinian civil administration in Gaza that does not seek to destroy Israel,” he continued. During his speech, Netanyahu also took a moment to thank former President Donald Trump for his contributions to Israel, from recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights to confronting Iranian aggression and recognizing Jerusalem as our capital and relocating the U.S. embassy there. Additionally, Netanyahu thanked Democratic President Joe Biden for his “vigorous efforts” to release the hostages.
Netanyahu pointed out that the “axis of terrorism” led by Iran threatens the United States, Israel, and the Arab world, adding that Israel and the United States “must stand together.”
Netanyahu expressed confidence that efforts to release hostages held by Hamas will be fruitful, stating, “I am confident that these efforts can succeed, some of which are being made now.”
Northern Border Security
Netanyahu assured that Israel “will do whatever is necessary” to secure its northern borders, where exchanges of fire continue between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, supported by Iran. “I will be clear: Israel will do whatever is necessary to restore security to our northern borders and safely return our citizens to their homes.”
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters opposing Israel’s war on Gaza gathered near the U.S. Capitol building today, some waving Palestinian flags, just before Netanyahu’s address to Congress members. Protesters erected signs on a stage declaring the Israeli leader a “war criminal wanted for justice,” referencing an arrest warrant sought by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Netanyahu vehemently denies accusations of war crimes. Nearby, protesters placed about 30 cardboard coffins wrapped in Palestinian flags to mourn the war dead in Gaza. Traffic was halted from several roads near Congress.
