Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a landmark speech to the US Congress this week, a significant event amidst the ongoing Gaza war and mounting pressure for a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister, will become the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of the two chambers four times, surpassing the record held by Britain’s Winston Churchill.
However, the Gaza war, which erupted following Hamas attacks on October 7th, has strained relations between Israel and its key ally, the United States. The mounting civilian casualties in Gaza have caused concern in Washington, while protests in Israel by families of hostages taken by Hamas are putting pressure on Netanyahu domestically. Despite these tensions, the US, along with Qatar and Egypt, has been actively involved in mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire. A plan outlined in May proposed a six-week ceasefire that would involve the exchange of some Israeli hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism last Friday, stating that negotiators were “inside the 10 yard line and driving toward the goal line”. Hamas, however, has accused Netanyahu of obstructing a deal.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Israel has intensified its attacks on Gaza, with Netanyahu maintaining that only increased military pressure can secure the release of hostages and defeat Hamas. He has stated that the “double pressure” of military action is not delaying a deal, but rather advancing it.
The October 7th attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Hamas militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza, including 42 that the Israeli military considers deceased. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has claimed the lives of at least 38,919 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.
While publicly expressing strong support for Israel, President Biden has expressed concern about the offensive on the southern city of Rafah in May and temporarily halted deliveries of heavy bombs to Israel. Supplies of 2,000-pound bombs remain embargoed.
Experts highlight the significant strain on the US-Israel relationship. Steven Cook, a Middle East specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations, states that “Never before has the atmosphere been so fraught.” He notes a clear tension between the White House and the Israeli prime minister.
Netanyahu’s invitation to address Congress was met with support from Republicans but has been met with skepticism from Democrats. One Jewish senator, Democrat Brian Schatz of Hawaii, announced he would boycott the speech, stating that he would not listen to “political rhetoric that will do nothing to bring peace in the region”.
Netanyahu has stated that his speech will focus on presenting “the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us”. Cook suggests Netanyahu has two primary goals for his Washington trip. Firstly, to demonstrate that he has not undermined Israel’s relations with the United States. Secondly, to shift the focus away from the Gaza conflict and towards the perceived threat posed by Iran and its proxies to Israel and the US.
Despite the tensions, the United States has defended Israeli interests while playing a key role in mediation efforts, and the military relationship between the two nations remains strong. Washington’s support could prove crucial as Israel faces growing international criticism over the humanitarian toll of the nearly 300-day war.
The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor in May requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Warrants for three Hamas leaders have also been sought. The Republican majority in the House of Representatives has called for sanctions against the ICC. Furthermore, the International Court of Justice determined Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal in Friday’s ruling and in February called for the country to prevent any acts of genocide in its Gaza offensive.
