Love Him or Hate Him, Jews Should Listen
The one thing everyone surely knows about Benjamin Netanyahu is that he is possibly the most divisive leader in Jewish history. Families of hostages are both inside listening to the speech and being arrested outside protesting the speech. But...when the Prime Minister of Israel speaks to the US Congress, Jews should listen. The connection between Israel and the United States is greater than any individual leader.
Israel's Diverse Army
Netanyahu brought several guests to his speech. Among them were an Ethiopian immigrant and Muslim Bedouin who serve in the IDF. Both awoke to the news of the October 7th attack and sprung into action defending the state of Israel. The purpose of highlighting these soldiers was clear. Antisemites have painted Israel as a white nationalist, apartheid, colonizing entity. Bibi very literally displayed how ridiculous these claims are simply by showing the diversity of those who defend Israel.
United With Israel
The news will surely focus on people like Rashida Tlaib, a prominent Jew-hater, who held up a sign in silent protest. But Netanyahu received a minute long standing ovation at the start of his remarks. As he praised his decades long friendship with President Biden, he received a standing ovation from the crowd, including Speaker Mike Johnson. He praised former President Trump for the Abraham Accords which saw another standing ovation. There are very few things that unite American politicians. Israel is still one of them.
Additionally, Netanyahu pointed out the obvious: Israel's enemies are America's enemies. Iran plans on spreading its regime through the entire world, but there is a single western-style democracy standing in its way: Israel. Support for Israel keeps American boots off the ground. It protects American lives and values. This congress largely understands and appreciates this fact.
It's worth noting that President Biden as well as candidates Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with Netanyahu as well.
Speaking Truth
Bibi's speech could be taken right out of this blog! The facts that we have been trying to share were on full display at the capital. It was a reminder that Israel didn't start this war, doesn't want this war, and it could be over today if Hamas surrendered. He cited West Point scholars who analyzed this conflict and reported that it has the lowest civilian to combatant casualty rate in the history of urban warfare. He pointed out that Israel has facilitated more aid to Gaza than could be reasonably expected. And if the aid isn't getting to the Gazans, it's only because Hamas is stealing it.
Vision for a Post-War Gaza
After Hamas is defeated and the Gaza operation is over, Netanyahu hopes for a coalition of Arab and allied rulers in the Gaza strip to facilitate a government that seeks peace. The details were scarce and I got the sense that the idea is a nonstarter. This is one of the issues that creates a significant divide in Israeli politics.
Useful Idiots
Netanyahu pointed out the frustration that many of us have with these antisemitic protesters on college campuses. These protesters are burning american flags, threatening Jews, standing up for a barbaric terrorist organization, and doing so under the influence of malicious outside actors funded by Iran. Bibi called them "useful idiots" of the Iranian Regime. Harsh, but true.
Who's Listening?
This is the shame of this speech. My guess is anyone who hates Netanyahu didn't listen. Is there a better messenger for this information? I doubt it. Anyone who would come speak about Israel to the US Congress would be boycotted. The people who oppose the Jewish state wouldn't listen to anyone speak. I truly think the intended audience for this speech was literally the audience in the room. The decision makers. Netanyahu brought up Ukrainian President Zelensky addressing congress asking for faster aid. Netanyahu was doing the same. When it seems as if American support for Israel is slipping, it's important for Jewish leaders to reaffirm the unbreakable connection between Israel and the United States.
Comentarios