Nick Stewart & Richard Goldberg | FDD | July 24, 2024
Latest Developments
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel’s war in Gaza and against Iranian proxies was not a clash of civilizations but a “clash between barbarism and civilization,” during a July 24 speech to a joint session of Congress. Netanyahu — who tied the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in addressing Congress for the fourth time — also emphasized the strong U.S.-Israel alliance against those who aim to destroy both nations.
“For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together,” he said in his nearly hourlong address. In contrast to his address to a joint session of Congress in 2015, when he vehemently opposed the Obama administration’s nuclear deal with Iran, Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden for half a century of support for the Jewish state, for his “heartfelt support of Israel” in the wake of Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack, and for “rightly” calling Hamas “sheer evil.”
Netanyahu stressed that threats to Israel’s security are also threats to America’s security and that collaborations between the two countries, including in co-developing cutting-edge military technology, also make the United States safer. Netanyahu said, “Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory is your victory.” He called on the United States to “dramatically” expedite military aid to give Israel “the tools fast” to “finish the job faster.”
Expert Analysis
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech underscored how deeply rooted the U.S.-Israel alliance is in shared liberal values and a mutual interest in countering common adversaries like Iran. Disagreements between our two countries are inevitable and have arisen under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Yet today is a timely reminder of why this vital alliance matters and why leaders in Congress should refuse to use it as a wedge to divide us.” — Nick Stewart, Senior Director of Government Relations at FDD Action
“The speech was aimed less at driving a policy agenda and more at defending the legitimacy and justness of the State of Israel on the world’s greatest stage. Netanyahu focused on the fundamentals that drive the U.S.-Israel relationship — shared values and threats — rather than trying to score points in any specific policy disagreement with the White House. The speech was heavy on big-picture messaging and light on specifics by design, so as to preserve the pathway to a ceasefire and hostage deal.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor
Netanyahu’s Vision for Gaza and New Alliance
Netanyahu said that the goals of the Allies after defeating Germany and Japan in World War II — demilitarization and deradicalization — could likewise be implemented in Gaza. “A new generation of Palestinians must no longer be taught to hate Jews, but rather, to live in peace with us,” he said, adding that demilitarization and deradicalization will lead to security, prosperity, and peace for Gaza. For the broader Middle East, Netanyahu spoke of forging an alliance of countries that are at peace with Israel, as well as those willing to make peace but have yet to do so, dubbing it the “Abraham Alliance” in honor of the Biblical patriarch revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike.
Some Democrats Boycott Speech
During his speech, Netanyahu mocked protestors outside the U.S. Capitol. “When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots,” he said.
Approximately 70 Democratic senators and representatives, along with one Republican representative, boycotted Netanyahu’s speech. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee following Biden’s decision to bow out of the race, declined to preside over the address, attending a campaign event in Indiana instead. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Harris on July 25 following his meeting with Biden earlier in the day. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s nominee for president, is also expected to meet with Netanyahu on July 26 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Once allies, Trump berated Netanyahu after the latter became one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Biden on his election win in 2020 as Trump disputed the election results. During his address, Netanyahu thanked Trump for recognizing the Golan Heights and eastern Jerusalem as sovereign Israeli territory, moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and brokering the Abraham Accords. He also condemned the assassination attempt on the former president earlier this month. Netanyahu made no mention of Harris during his speech.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu Departs for Washington, Seeking Bipartisan Support,” FDD Flash Brief
“Biden Turns on Israel,” by Clifford D. May
“Biden Announces Israeli Ceasefire Proposal to End Gaza War,” FDD Flash Brief
“U.S. Abstains From Ceasefire Resolution at UN Security Council,” FDD Flash Brief
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