Netanyahu in Washington: Israel PM vows ‘total victory’ in Gaza, denounces US protesters

In a turbulent turn of events in Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged a “total victory” over Hamas in Gaza during a fervent address to Congress. Simultaneously, he conveyed strong rebuke for the American protesters opposing the war.

Netanyahu’s Fiery Stand Against Critics

Netanyahu’s address, which he used to highlight the longstanding and close tie between the U.S and Israel, exposed divisions in American society spurred by the war. Demonstrators have condemned the humanitarian predicament in Gaza, and a significant number of Democratic lawmakers boycotted the address, demonstrating the high tempers stoked by the crisis.

Protests near the Capitol turned chaotic, as statues were vandalized and flags replaced. Riot police clashed with protesters, utilizing tear gas and force in an attempt to disperse the crowds. Yet, undeterred, Netanyahu announced that the U.S had a vested interest in Israel’s fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed groups, validating the strife.

“America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose,” he declared, expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

A Defiant Stance Against Protestors

Switching to a darker tone, Netanyahu castigated the U.S citizens protesting the war on college campuses and other locations, referring to them as “useful idiots” for Israel’s foes. Moreover, he appeared reticent towards compromise, making no mention of the ongoing U.S-led mediation for a ceasefire and hostage release.

“Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home. That’s what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less,” Netanyahu determinedly stated.

Hostage Families and Congress Ruffled

The strength of his conviction left families of hostages and select members of Congress disconcerted. Families of American hostages in Gaza expressed their profound disappointment in the Israeli Prime Minister’s refusal to commit to the proposed hostage deal. Meanwhile, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a public critic of Netanyahu, displayed her resentment in the form of a placard labelled “WAR CRIMINAL” in Congress.

Varied Reactions to Netanyahu’s Stance

The speech received mixed responses. While Netanyahu detractors such as the former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and presidential contender Donald Trump voiced their displeasure, others like Kentucky Republican Rep. Andy Barr lauded the Prime Minister for intertwining Israeli and American interests.

However, the undercurrent runs deeper than surface-level discontent. Threats and controversies overshadow Netanyahu’s mission in Washington, including an International Criminal Court’s active attempt to prosecute him for alleged war crimes. Furthermore, the political volatility in the U.S, coupled with internal Israeli dissatisfaction over prolonged fighting in Gaza, risks undermining his effort for attaining “total victory”.