Benjamin Netanyahu to Protesters: ‘You Have Officially Become Iran’s Useful Idiots’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent address to the U.S. Congress has sparked significant controversy, revealing deep political and ideological divisions both within the United States and internationally.

His speech, delivered in the context of the ongoing Gaza conflict, was marked by strong support from Republican lawmakers and stark opposition from Democrats, as well as fervent protests both inside and outside the Capitol.

His visit and address to Congress were met with widespread protests. Thousands gathered outside the Capitol, with some demonstrators inside the building attempting to disrupt the proceedings, leading to several arrests.

The protests were driven by strong opposition to Netanyahu’s policies and the ongoing Gaza war, which has resulted in a high civilian death toll.

Among the protesters were critics labeling Netanyahu a “war criminal” and calling for his arrest by the International Criminal Court.

The speech underscored the growing political rift over U.S. support for Israel. Prominent Democratic figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, openly criticized Netanyahu’s address.

Pelosi, who did not attend the speech, instead met with Israelis affected by the conflict and called for efforts towards a ceasefire.

In her post on X, she stated, “Benjamin Netanyahu’s presentation in the House Chamber today was by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.”

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted the event, reflecting a significant portion of the party’s stance against Netanyahu’s policies. Representative Jamaal Bowman, who did not attend, released an op-ed in the Guardian condemning Netanyahu, calling him a “genocidal war criminal.

In contrast, Netanyahu received enthusiastic support from Republican lawmakers. The Israeli prime minister framed the conflict as a shared battle against common enemies, specifically targeting Iran as a principal adversary. He emphasized the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Israel, calling for continued and expedited military aid to ensure Israel’s victory in the Gaza conflict.

Netanyahu’s speech included several contentious claims, some of which were challenged by fact-checkers. He asserted that Iran was funding and promoting the protests against him, a statement partially refuted by U.S. intelligence, which acknowledged Iran’s efforts to stoke division but also recognized that many American protesters were acting independently.

Additionally, his claim that Israel had not restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza was contradicted by reports from U.S. and international officials, who noted that Israel’s stringent control over aid crossings and security concerns had significantly impeded aid delivery.

The speech came at a time of heightened tension and despair for many families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Despite Netanyahu’s focus on military victory and denouncing Hamas, critics pointed out his limited discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict has led to substantial civilian casualties, with over 39,000 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. The lack of a clear path towards a two-state solution or any significant diplomatic effort towards peace has further fueled opposition and skepticism about Netanyahu’s long-term strategy for the region.