Netanyahu Speaks to Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a controversial speech to the U.S. Congress, emphasizing Israel's alliance with the United States against common enemies, particularly Iran. He framed the war in Gaza as a fight for Israel's survival and called for expedited U.S. military aid. Netanyahu's address was marked by strong support from Republican lawmakers but also by protests and boycotts from many Democrats. He criticized protesters as "Iran's useful idiots" and outlined a vision for a demilitarized Gaza under Israeli military control. The speech highlighted growing political divisions over the Gaza conflict, with dozens of lawmakers absent and demonstrations both inside and outside the Capitol. Netanyahu made little mention of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and did not discuss a two-state solution, focusing instead on Israel's security concerns and its role in combating what he called an "axis of terror" in the Middle East.