On a historic day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress, a speech that was met with standing ovations and fervent applause. This address, however, did not come without its share of controversy and criticism. Netanyahu’s speech touched on several contentious issues, from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and his remarks drew both praise and condemnation from various quarters.
Netanyahu’s Reception in Congress
Netanyahu’s speech was marked by frequent standing ovations, a testament to his strong support within the U.S. Congress. Captain Matthew Hoh, a marine corps veteran and an American patriot, described his reaction to the speech as a mix of embarrassment and shame. “Watching Netanyahu receive such warm standing ovations and endless applause was unlike anything I had seen before in Congress,” Hoh stated in a video interview. He highlighted the stark contrast between the unity Netanyahu could command in Congress compared to American political figures like Donald Trump or Joe Biden.
A Demonstration of Power
The speech underscored Netanyahu’s influence over U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel. “Netanyahu’s address was not just about uniting the two major American political parties but also demonstrating his power and the influence of the Israeli lobby in the United States,” Ho commented. This show of strength, coming amidst the U.S. presidential election campaign, was a clear signal that American policy towards Israel would remain steadfast, irrespective of the election outcome.
Criticism of American Protesters
One of the most controversial aspects of Netanyahu’s speech was his attack on American citizens exercising their right to free speech. He referred to protesters as “useful idiots of Iran,” a statement that drew significant criticism. Hoh pointed out the irony of Netanyahu, a foreign leader, standing in the U.S. Congress and attacking American citizens. “This audacity shows not just his power but also the American Congress’s willingness to support a foreign leader over their own citizens’ constitutional rights,” Hoh remarked.
Identity Politics and Symbolic Gestures
Netanyahu’s use of identity politics was evident in his inclusion of an Ethiopian soldier and an Arab soldier in his delegation, aiming to counter accusations of Israel being an apartheid state. This gesture was seen by many as a superficial attempt to project an image of inclusivity. “It was a garish and vulgar display, aimed at appealing to a segment of the American audience that believes in identity politics,” Hoh noted. The symbolism was clear, but the underlying issues remained unaddressed.
The Holocaust and Emotional Appeals
A significant portion of Netanyahu’s speech involved references to the Holocaust, drawing parallels to current events to justify Israel’s policies. This tactic, Hoh argued, was a manipulation of historical suffering to gain sympathy and support. “Netanyahu’s use of Holocaust imagery to justify the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and Palestine is an insult to the sacrifices of those who perished during that time,” Hoh stated. Such emotional appeals, while powerful, were seen as a way to distract from the harsh realities on the ground.
Iran: The Eternal Foe
Netanyahu’s rhetoric on Iran was predictable but potent. He labeled Iran as the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region, asserting that its nuclear ambitions threatened both Israel and the United States. This narrative has been a cornerstone of Netanyahu’s foreign policy, and he used it to rally support for Israel’s security measures. “Netanyahu’s focus on Iran serves to keep the narrative alive that Israel is the frontline defender against barbarism,” Hoh explained. This stance has significant implications for U.S. foreign policy, especially with the upcoming elections.
Impact of the Congressional Boycott
The boycott of Netanyahu’s speech by several congress members was a notable aspect of the event. Estimates suggest around 50 members chose not to attend, a small fraction of the total 535. This boycott, reminiscent of a similar protest during Obama’s presidency, highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party regarding U.S.-Israel relations. Despite the boycott, the overwhelming support Netanyahu received underscored the strong pro-Israel sentiment in Congress.
The Role of the Israeli Lobby
The influence of the Israeli lobby in shaping U.S. foreign policy cannot be understated. Ho pointed out that the U.S. political system’s nature, characterized by legalized bribery, allows lobbies like AIPAC to wield significant power. “The Israeli lobby’s control over American foreign policy is similar to the pharmaceutical industry’s control over healthcare policy,” Hoh asserted. This entrenched system ensures that U.S. support for Israel remains unwavering.
Evangelical Christian Support
Netanyahu’s close ties with the U.S. evangelical community were also evident. His meeting with evangelical leaders, including John Hagee, emphasized the strong support Israel enjoys among American Christians. This alliance, based on a shared belief in Israel’s divine right to the land, plays a crucial role in maintaining U.S. support. “The evangelical support for Israel is rooted in a theological belief that Israel is central to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy,” Hoh explained. This religious dimension adds another layer to the complex U.S.-Israel relationship.
Future Implications
With the U.S. presidential elections on the horizon, Netanyahu’s speech has significant implications. The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House could lead to even stronger support for Israel, given Trump’s previous policies and his ties with pro-Israel donors. The transactional nature of U.S. politics means that significant financial support from the Israeli lobby could influence future American foreign policy decisions. “The possibility of Trump returning to power with even more pro-Israel policies is a concerning prospect,” Hoh remarked.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s speech to the U.S. Congress was a masterful display of political influence and rhetorical skill. It highlighted the deep-seated support Israel enjoys within the U.S. political system while also exposing the underlying tensions and controversies. As the U.S. heads into another election cycle, the impact of this speech and the broader U.S.-Israel relationship will undoubtedly continue to shape American foreign policy.
Reference: Video interview Mathew Hoh with Kavork Almassian