Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a strong condemnation of Iran during his address to the US Congress on Wednesday, accusing the country of funding and supporting groups opposed to Israel. He emphasized the need for both courage and clarity in defeating what he described as “brutal enemies.”
Netanyahu directly linked Iran to the ongoing anti-Israel protests in Israel, claiming they were funded by the Iranian regime. He expressed his disdain for the protesters, calling them “Iran’s useful idiots” and criticizing their support for Hamas and other groups that advocate for the destruction of Israel. He also questioned the protesters’ understanding of history and geography, highlighting the historical significance of the Land of Israel for Jewish people.
He went on to paint Iran as the main source of terrorism and instability in the Middle East, accusing them of attempting to export their radical ideology across the globe. Netanyahu highlighted the role of the United States as a guardian of Western civilization and a key defender against Iran’s ambitions. He asserted that Iran views the United States as its greatest enemy and sees conquering the Middle East as a necessary step in challenging American dominance.
Netanyahu emphasized the role of Israel as a pro-American democracy standing in the way of Iran’s ambitions in the region. He pointed to Israel’s successful defense against Hamas in the recent conflict and outlined his vision for a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza. He clarified that Israel does not seek to resettle Gaza but will maintain security control to prevent a resurgence of terrorism. Netanyahu advocated for a civilian administration in Gaza led by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel and called for a new generation of Palestinians to be raised to live in peace with Israelis. He likened his proposed approach to the demilitarization and deradicalization of Germany and Japan after World War II, which he argued led to decades of peace and prosperity.
Netanyahu’s speech delivered a forceful message about the perceived threats posed by Iran and emphasized the importance of a strong US-Israel alliance in addressing them. His vision for a peaceful and secure future in the region included a demilitarized Gaza and a new generation of Palestinians embracing peace with Israel.
