In fiery speech to U.S. Congress, Netanyahu slams protesters against Gaza war as ‘useful idiots’ for Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s war in Gaza and condemned American protesters in a scathing speech to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday that triggered boycotts by many top Democratic lawmakers and drew thousands to the Capitol to condemn the war and the humanitarian crisis it has created.

Netanyahu vowed to press on with the war until “total victory,” disappointing hopes by some that the Israeli leader’s visit to the United States could bring some breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Speaking to applause from U.S. lawmakers and stony silence from others, Netanyahu sought to bolster U.S. support for his country’s fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed armed groups.

“America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, something really simple happens: We win, they lose,” said Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

But the Israeli leader soon pivoted to a darker tone as he derided those protesting the war on college campuses and elsewhere in the U.S., gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol. He called protesters “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries.

He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.

Freed former hostages of Hamas and families of hostages listened in the House chamber. Lawmakers of both parties rose to applaud the Israeli leader in milder moments in the speech. Security escorted out protesters in the gallery who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding that leaders close a deal ending the conflict and freeing hostages.

Netanyahu accused the numerous American protesters of the war of standing with the militants, who he said killed babies on Oct. 7: “These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.

The Israeli prime minister — who is frequently accused of wading into U.S. politics in favour of conservative and Republican causes — started his remarks with praise of President Joe Biden. But he turned to lavishing praise…