(RepublicanJournal.org) – US Capitol Police have arrested six protesters who disrupted a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The pro-Palestinian demonstrators were in the House gallery. Despite the problems, Netanyahu gave a defiant speech.
On July 24, Netanyahu, who is facing growing criticism over the war against Hamas, spoke to Congress. It was his first speech to the US legislature since Hamas launched its terrorist attacks on October 7 last year, and since then Israel has been fighting to destroy the Iran-backed group. At the same time the west has been swamped by pro-Palestinian protests complaining because Hamas’s decision to start a war in a built-up area is causing civilian casualties.
As Netanyahu delivered his speech, more than 5,000 protesters swarmed around the Capitol. Police outside had to use tear gas to keep the crowds back. Inside, five demonstrators had managed to get into the public gallery despite wearing T-shirts calling on Netanyahu to sign a peace deal. As the prime minister began to speak they started shouting, disrupting the session until they were arrested and moved by Capitol police. A sixth protester was arrested later. Meanwhile one House member, Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), was actually encouraging the protesters by holding up a sign accusing Netanyahu of “genocide.”
Netanyahu didn’t let the problems get in his way, though. In his 55-minute speech he told Congress that by resisting Iran’s aggression, Israel is also fighting for the US. He said “We’re not only protecting ourselves; we’re protecting you.” When he called college demonstrators “Tehran’s useful idiots” he got enthusiastic applause.
Not everyone who should have been there was, though. It’s traditional for the vice president, as official head of the Senate, to join the House Speaker for joint sessions. However, Kamala Harris failed to appear. That will be a worry for Israel, as the Democrats are now trying to make her the next president — and the far-left VP clearly isn’t supportive of the Jewish state.
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