Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, described Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress as the “worst” address by a foreign leader in the history of the U.S. Congress.
Netanyahu delivered his speech on Wednesday for the fourth time before a joint session of Congress.
On Wednesday, July 24th, Pelosi wrote on her X account: “Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech today was the worst presentation by a foreign leader ever invited to speak before the U.S. Congress.”
The Democratic representative stated that Netanyahu should have used his time to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
In his address, Netanyahu called for continued U.S. military aid to help defeat the Palestinian group Hamas. He said, “Rapid U.S. military assistance can significantly expedite the end of the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East.”
The Israeli Prime Minister stated that he seeks a “demilitarized and de-radicalized Gaza” governed by Palestinians who do not seek Israel’s destruction. He emphasized that Hamas should not be allowed to regain control in Gaza, nor should the Palestinian Authority have any role there.
Netanyahu also discussed the potential for a broad security alliance in the Middle East between Israel and its Arab neighbors, a vision that the U.S. views as a bulwark against Iran.
One key condition for normalizing relations between Israel and Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, is the recognition of an independent Palestinian state and the end of the war in Gaza, which Netanyahu did not address in his hour-long speech to Congress.
Several Democratic representatives and senators boycotted Netanyahu’s speech in protest of the killing of thousands of Palestinians in Israeli attacks.
Senator Chris Murphy said, “Netanyahu should have used this time to finalize an agreement to bring hostages home and end the war rather than coming here to comment on U.S. policy.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who was supposed to preside over the session, also did not attend.
Meanwhile, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside the U.S. Capitol during Netanyahu’s speech. Netanyahu claimed that Iran supported all pro-Palestinian protesters.
The Israeli Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday and with former President Donald Trump on Friday.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s speech and the accompanying protests reflect the deep divisions and heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The varying responses from U.S. lawmakers and public demonstrations underscore the complex and contentious nature of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. As Netanyahu continues his visit, the global community watches closely for developments that could impact the broader geopolitical landscape.
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