Netanyahu tells Congress Israel won’t resettle Gaza

In a speech before the US Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden for his "heartfelt" support following the October 7 attack, and accused pro-Palestinian protesters, thousands of whom were demonstrating outside at the time of his address, of "standing with Hamas".

In his fourth speech to Congress – more than any other foreign leader – Netanyahu made no mention of a "hostage deal," or a "ceasefire," but noted the presence of rescued hostage Noa Argamani, who was standing in the gallery beside his wife Sara.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israel announced it had postponed the departure of its delegation to Qatar for hostage deal and ceasefire talks.

During Netanyahu's speech, at least three relatives of hostages wearing t-shirts urging a ceasefire and hostage deal were removed from the chamber.

Thousands of demonstrators took to nearby streets, as the Capitol building was surrounded by high fencing, with a heavy police presence.

Netanyahu dismissed the anti-war protesters in Washington as "anti-Israel," saying they are funded by Israel's traditional enemy Iran and accusing them of being Tehran's "useful idiots". He blamed reports of hunger in Gaza on Hamas.

The Prime Minister said that Israel is fighting Iran's proxies – Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis – and that by fighting the Islamic Republic, it is protecting America. "Our enemies are your enemies. Our victory is your victory," he said, adding in reference to US arms transfer to Israel: "Give us the tools faster, and we'll finish the job faster".

On the question of a post-war vision for Gaza, Netanyahu said that Israel must maintain security control of the Strip, stressing that the territory must be demilitarised, and run by a civilian administration led by Palestinians who don't seek to destroy Israel.

READ MORE

Netanyahu says Israel won't resettle Gaza, slams campus protesters as Iran’s 'useful idiots' and calls for regional alliance (Haaretz)