Netanyahu thanks U.S. for support during "crossroads of history," calls campus protesters "useful idiots"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is addressing a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, hoping to shore up support for Israel's 10-month war against Hamas in Gaza. 

"We meet today at a crossroads of history. Our world is in upheaval," Netanyahu said. "In the Middle East, Iran's axis of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations. It's a clash between barbarism and civilization. It's a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together." 

Netanyahu has been sharply criticized over the high Palestinian death toll and faces growing domestic and international pressure to make a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a pause in the fighting. His critics have accused him of prolonging the war for political gain, which he denies. 

He said Israel is "actively engaged in intensive efforts" to secure the release of the remaining hostages and expressed confidence that those efforts would be successful.