Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a joint session of the US Congress that he would accept “nothing less” than a “total victory” in the war against Hamas.
This means that all hostages still held by Hamas must be freed, the terrorist group's military power must be destroyed, and its rule over the Gaza Strip must be ended.
“Israel does not seek settlement in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu said.
“But for the foreseeable future, we must maintain supreme security control there to prevent a resurgence of terrorism and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”
He said a “demilitarized and de-radicalized Gaza” could expect “a future of security, prosperity and peace.” But that would require a government led by civilians “who do not seek to destroy Israel.”
“War criminals”: protests inside and outside Congress
Even before Netanyahu's speech was even delivered, it was controversial: about half of the Democratic Party's representatives in the House of Representatives and the Senate had decided not to attend the speech.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is currently vying to become the next president, was also absent, as was Republican Senator JD Vance, who was recently named Donald Trump's vice presidential candidate.
Both President Joe Biden and Ms Harris are expected to meet privately with Mr Netanyahu on Thursday (US time).
In the hall, left-wing congresswoman Rashida Tlaib held a sign reading “war criminal” during Netanyahu's speech. Ms. Tlaib is the only Palestinian-American member of Congress.
Before the prime minister spoke, several people were arrested by Capitol Police. Among them was Carmit Katzir, whose father was murdered and whose mother was taken hostage in the October 7 attack. Ms Katzir has criticized Netanyahu's response to the crisis.
Outside, in the streets near the Capitol, thousands of protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Israeli prime minister.
Police kept the protesters at least a block away by firing pepper spray at them and eventually dispersed them.
However, there were several clashes with the police and on one occasion a group burned an American flag in front of the main train station in the American capital.
In his speech, Mr Netanyahu addressed the demonstrators directly.
“I have a message for these protesters. If the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair praise, promote and fund you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots,” he said.
“Some of these protesters are holding signs that say 'Gays for Gaza.' They might as well be holding signs that say 'Chickens for KFC.'”
Iran featured repeatedly in Netanyahu's remarks, calling for a US-Israel-led “security alliance” to “counter the growing Iranian threat.”
“All countries that are at peace with Israel and all countries that will make peace with Israel should be invited to join this alliance,” he said.
“Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight. And our victory will be your victory.”
He received a standing ovation from the members of Congress present.
Netanyahu praised Biden and Trump for their efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East and their support for Israel. He said he was “confident” that Israel would be able to rescue the 114 hostages still trapped in Gaza.
An estimated 39,000 people were killed in Israel's military retaliation campaign.
Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to address four joint sessions of Congress, surpassing former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
“By far the worst”: Leading Democrats criticise Prime Minister
Some Democrats expressed their disapproval of Netanyahu by their silent absence. Others actively spoke out against him.
“Benjamin Netanyahu's performance in the House chamber was by far the worst performance of any foreign dignitary invited and honored to address the United States Congress,” said former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“Many of us who love Israel have listened today to Israeli citizens whose families suffered from the terrorist attacks and kidnappings carried out by Hamas on October 7. These families are calling for a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home – and we hope the Prime Minister will devote his time to achieving that goal.”
Ms Pelosi, who served as Speaker of the House for eight years, remains one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington, and her influence recently played a crucial role in convincing President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race.
Congressman Jerry Nadler spent Mr Netanyahu’s speech in the audience and read from a book entitled The Netanyahu yearsaccused him of wanting to keep the war going indefinitely.
“When he talks about the hostages, I don't think he has any interest in releasing the hostages because that would hasten the end of the war,” Nadler said.
“That is why hostage negotiations are taking place, and he keeps putting forward new conditions, he keeps raising new objections to the hostage deal, and that is why hundreds of thousands of people in Israel are protesting against him.
“He will do everything in his power to prevent a negotiated peace.”
He described Mr Netanyahu’s speech as “fundamentally dishonest”.
