Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday over his country's ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu hopes his speech bolsters U.S. support for Israel as it continues to combat Hamas, Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militants in the Middle East.
"America and Israel must stand together," Netanyahu said. "Because when we stand together, something very simple happens. We win, they lose! And my friends, I came to assure you today of one thing, we will win!"
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While numerous Democrats were in the chamber for the speech, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, some boycotted, concerned with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Outside of the Capitol, groups of demonstrators gathered to protest the Israeli prime minister's appearance. Minutes before Netanyahu began speaking, Capitol police said part of the crowd had become violent.
"The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line," the department said in a statement.
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Netanyahu condemned the protesters and accused them of refusing "to make the simple distinction between those who target terrorists and those who target children."
"I have a message for these protesters," he added. "When the tyrants of Tehran — who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair — are praising and promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots!"
President Joe Biden, meanwhile, has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle over U.S. arms shipments to Israel. However, Netanyahu used his address to praise both him and former President Donald Trump for their commitment and support for Israel.
Some progressives have objected to the Biden administration's continued support of Israel in light of humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Meanwhile, some conservatives have accused the Biden administration of not providing enough support for Israel.
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The U.S. has been urging Israel to ease its offensive on Gaza, which has been ongoing since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Earlier this month, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said there remain "some major differences" between Israel and Hamas in coming up with a cease-fire agreement.
"We are working so hard to try to reach a cease-fire," Miller said during a Tuesday press briefing. "It’s why the President has put his own political muscle behind this. It’s why the Secretary has worked on it. It’s why others in the administration have worked on it. Because we believe ultimately the only way to stop the suffering of civilians – all civilians in Gaza, journalists, others who – other aid workers, others who do important work, as well as just people trying to go about their lives – the only way to alleviate that suffering in the daily death toll is to reach a cease-fire."
