Unanimous Applause in Congress
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent speech to the US Congress received an enthusiastic and unified response from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. The audience offered over fifty standing ovations, clearly showing bipartisan support for Netanyahu’s genocidal policies. This reaction is deeply concerning, given the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with millions of people starving and 35,000+ civilians killed, with the majority being women and children. Both parties’ leaders invited Netanyahu, highlighting their unwavering support despite the majority of Americans who do not support the war.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Ten of thousands of Palestinians, including many children, have been killed in the ongoing war in Gaza. The destruction of infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and homes, has left Gaza in ruins, with reports indicating that it will take years to rebuild. Despite this, US lawmakers continue to support Israel’s military actions without demanding accountability or a ceasefire. The applause for Netanyahu in Congress occurred while Gaza faced famine and widespread suffering, highlighting the disconnect between US political support and the humanitarian reality on the ground. Netanyahu’s rhetoric reveals his approach to Gaza, declaring, “Israel does not seek to resettle Gaza. But for the foreseeable future, we must retain overriding security control there to prevent the resurgence of terror.”
US Foreign Policy and Legal Contradictions
US foreign policy towards Israel, particularly under the Biden administration, reveals significant legal and ethical contradictions. The Arms Export Control Act and National Security Memorandum number 20 state that the US should not support belligerent states violating international law. However, continued military support for Israel contradicts these legal frameworks. Despite these contradictions, Congress’s unwavering support for Netanyahu suggests a policy driven by political alliances rather than adherence to legal standards and human rights. Netanyahu’s speech emphasized the importance of this support, stating, “Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster.”
The Role of Protest and Dissent
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Washington DC and across the US, opposing Netanyahu’s speech and US military aid to Israel. These demonstrations included Palestinian Americans, human rights activists, and concerned citizens, highlighting a growing movement demanding accountability and a shift in US policy. This movement contrasts sharply with the bipartisan political stance, emphasizing a significant divide between public sentiment and political actions. Netanyahu dismissed these protests, calling the participants “Iran’s useful idiots.”
Israel as America’s Military Outpost in the Middle East
Netanyahu’s address to Congress emphasized Israel’s strategic role as a crucial military outpost for the United States in the Middle East. He portrayed Israel not merely as a sovereign nation but as an extension of American military might in a volatile region. He stated, “For decades, America has provided Israel with generous military assistance, and a grateful Israel has provided America with critical intelligence that saved many lives. We’ve jointly developed some of the most sophisticated weapons on Earth.” This framing justifies continuous and unconditional US support for Israel, as Netanyahu emphasized the mutual benefits of the alliance. He called for expedited military aid, claiming, “Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster.”
Democratic Party’s Dilemma
Vice President Kamala Harris’s decision to skip Netanyahu’s address highlights the Democratic Party’s internal conflict regarding Israel. While some Democratic leaders and lawmakers boycotted the speech, the party has struggled to present a unified stance. The hesitation to fully oppose Netanyahu’s policies reflects concern about political repercussions and electoral dynamics. This ambivalence raises questions about the party’s commitment to human rights and ethical foreign policy. Netanyahu’s speech attempted to rally bipartisan support, stating, “For decades, America has provided Israel with generous military assistance, and a grateful Israel has provided America with critical intelligence that saved many lives.”
Bipartisan Endorsement of Genocide
The bipartisan support for Netanyahu in Congress, despite the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and significant internal dissent, clearly demonstrates that US politicians from both parties endorse Israel’s actions. The standing ovations and unwavering support highlight a disturbing reality: US lawmakers are united in backing policies that contribute to the genocide in Gaza. Netanyahu’s speech, filled with calls for continued military aggression, was met with enthusiastic approval, emphasizing the complicity of both Democrats and Republicans in the ongoing violence.
