Netanyahu Addresses Joint Session of Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forcefully pushed back against his critics and outlined his post-war vision in a joint address to Congress.

Key Quotes: Netanyahu framed “anti-Israel protesters” as funded by Iran, making them “Iran’s useful idiots.” He criticized “malicious lies” leveled at the Jewish state, including by the International Criminal Court, pointing to Israel’s efforts to allow food aid into Gaza. He said it was a “monstrous evil” for Hamas to use human shields, and called America the “guardian of Western civilization.” Some lawmakers chanted, “USA.”

Post-War Plans: Netanyahu called for “demilitarization and radicalization” of Gaza, with the help of regional partners. For the Middle East, he called for a security alliance to counter Iran.

For Context: Some within the Democratic Party have criticized Netanyahu’s war government, which the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry says has killed over 39,000 Palestinians. While some protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., Democrats including Vice President Kamala Harris declined to attend Netanyahu’s address. 

How the Media Covered It: Live coverage was common across the spectrum. Coverage from left-rated outlets was more likely to highlight the protesters.