Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress today, defending Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza amid significant protests and a notable boycott by dozens of Democratic lawmakers. Outside the Capitol, demonstrators clashed with police, leading to arrests and the burning of Netanyahu in effigy, as tensions surrounding the conflict escalated.

In his speech, Netanyahu attributed the high Palestinian casualty figures—reported by health officials to exceed 120,000 since the onset of the war on October 7—to Hamas, asserting that the militant group intentionally targets civilians to manipulate international opinion against Israel. He emphasized that for Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy, while for Hamas, it is a strategic advantage.

Netanyahu's remarks included a strong condemnation of Iran, framing it as a mutual enemy of both Israel and the United States. He argued that Israel's military actions are not only defensive but also protective of American cities from potential Iranian threats. Despite the ongoing conflict, he reiterated a vision for Gaza's future governance, suggesting it should be led by Palestinians who do not seek Israel's destruction—a stance described by U.S. officials as unrealistic.

The Prime Minister faced pressure to negotiate a deal for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, with family members of the captives protesting during his address. However, Netanyahu did not announce any breakthroughs regarding the hostage situation, stating only that efforts for their release are ongoing.

Historically, Netanyahu has addressed Congress multiple times, often amidst political divisions. His speech today was met with mixed reactions; while many Republican lawmakers and some Democrats expressed support, the absence of a clear path forward for peace or a resolution to the hostage crisis left some critics, including former officials, questioning his leadership and strategy.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of widespread displacement and health crises, including warnings from the World Health Organization about the spread of polio. The international community watches closely as the situation evolves, with calls for a ceasefire and a more sustainable resolution to the ongoing violence.