Quick Hit:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, urging decisive action against the Hamas terror group. Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of a united front between Israel and America to combat terrorism and preserve civilization against barbarism.

Key Details:

• Netanyahu's speech marks his fourth address to Congress, surpassing Winston Churchill for the most joint-session speeches by a foreign leader.

• Netanyahu vividly described the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th, including the killing of 1,200 civilians and soldiers and the kidnapping of 250 hostages.

• The visit underscores the enduring relationship between the US and Israel, with Netanyahu seeking to solidify bipartisan support amid regional tensions and domestic protests.

Diving Deeper:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his fourth-ever address to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, calling for a decisive victory over Hamas and unveiling a new approach to addressing the Iranian threat. Netanyahu opened his speech by expressing his deep honor in addressing Congress once again, stating, “It is a profound honor to address this citadel of democracy for the fourth time."

In his address, Netanyahu highlighted the stark contrast between Iran's "axis of terror" and the civilized world. "In the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror confronts Israel, America and our Arab friends. This is not a clash between civilizations, it’s a clash between barbarism and civilizations. It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life," he declared. Emphasizing the importance of unity, he added, "For the forces of civilization to triumph, Israel and America must stand together. We will win."

Netanyahu's speech came nine months after the horrific Hamas-led attack on October 7th, where 3,000 Palestinian terrorists infiltrated Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. He described the brutal events of that day in stark terms, saying, "These monsters, they raped women, they beheaded men, they burned babies alive, killed parents in front of their parents, and children in front of their parents."

The prime minister's visit to Washington occurs amid ongoing conflicts with Iran-backed terrorist groups across the Middle East, including Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu's historic address to Congress marks the 10th time an Israeli leader has spoken before Congress, beginning with Yitzhak Rabin in 1976 and most recently President Isaac Herzog on July 19th, 2023.

Netanyahu was invited by congressional leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The invitation "symbolizes the US and Israel's enduring relationship and will offer Prime Minister Netanyahu the opportunity to share the Israeli government's vision for defending their democracy, combating terror, and establishing just and lasting peace in the region," they stated in June.

Among those attending was Elon Musk, and despite the significance of the event, Vice President Kamala Harris, who also serves as President of the Senate, declined to preside over the session, leaving Maryland Senator Ben Cardin to sit beside Speaker Johnson during Netanyahu's address. The event was boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who opposes aid to Israel, was the sole GOP member to skip the speech.

Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday, aiming to strengthen bipartisan support following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2024 and amidst ongoing border conflicts. His visit has been met with widespread protests in Washington, D.C., including a Capitol sit-in organized by "Jewish Voice for Peace," a radical anti-Israel group.

On Thursday, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Biden at the White House, marking his first invitation there since returning to office following Israel's 2022 election. He will also meet with Vice President Harris and former President Donald Trump later in the week.