Netanyahu Confident in Hostage Release Efforts Amid Protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the U.S. Congress on Wednesday he was confident that efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza would succeed, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to nearby streets.

Efforts to Release Hostages

“As we speak, we’re actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure their (hostages) release. And I’m confident that these efforts can succeed,” Netanyahu said after being greeted by a standing ovation. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers skipped his speech, expressing dismay over the civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis from Israel’s campaign in Gaza.

Background of the Conflict

Hamas-led fighters triggered the war on Oct. 7 by storming into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies. Some 120 hostages are still being held, though Israel believes one in three are dead. “America and Israel must stand together,” Netanyahu said, receiving applause from Republicans and a more subdued reception from Democrats.

Historical Context

Netanyahu’s speech marked the fourth time a foreign leader addressed a joint meeting of Congress, surpassing British wartime leader Winston Churchill. Thousands of demonstrators took to nearby streets amid tight security. The Capitol building was surrounded by high fencing, with a heavy police presence. Just before Netanyahu spoke, U.S. Capitol police reported that some protests had become violent, prompting the use of pepper spray.

Protests and Demonstrations

Pro-Palestinian groups and university students have protested in the U.S. against Israel’s offensive in Gaza, where health authorities say nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly all of its 2.3 million people have been displaced. Netanyahu praised the Israeli military and denounced the Hamas attack, with standing ovations from Republicans and a quieter response from Democrats.

Political Dynamics

Republican leaders orchestrated Netanyahu’s visit, which was less confrontational than his 2015 visit when he criticized Obama’s Iran policy. This time, Netanyahu sought to bolster links to Republicans and ease tensions with President Joe Biden. Netanyahu dismissed anti-war protesters as “anti-Israel,” accusing them of being funded by Iran and calling them Tehran’s “useful idiots.”

Absent Lawmakers

Some lawmakers were uncomfortable appearing to endorse Netanyahu and his hard-right coalition government amid his declining poll numbers in Israel. Others wanted Netanyahu to focus on reaching a ceasefire and bringing home all hostages seized by Hamas on Oct. 7.

“For him, this is all about shoring up his support back home,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. Republican Representative Thomas Massie also did not attend, stating the speech was to bolster Netanyahu’s political standing.

Prominent Democrats Absent

Notable Democrats who skipped the speech included Senators Dick Durbin, Tim Kaine, Jeff Merkley, Brian Schatz, and Patty Murray. In the House, absentees included Representatives Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ami Bera, Joaquin Castro, Adam Smith, and Rosa DeLauro.

Domestic Politics

Netanyahu delivered his speech in a city preoccupied with domestic politics. Biden recently announced he was ending his reelection bid, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge Republican Donald Trump. Harris, normally presiding over such speeches as vice president, did not attend.

Upcoming Meetings

Biden and Harris are expected to press Netanyahu for progress toward a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal with Hamas. Netanyahu will travel to Florida to meet with Trump on Friday, their first meeting since the end of Trump’s presidency.