(ReliableNews.org) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, July 24. The event featuring the controversial leader was widely protested. Several demonstrators were even arrested.
According to reports, at least six people were arrested and inside of the US Capitol building. Capitol Police spokesperson Brianna Burch told the media that five people in the House Gallery “disrupted” Netanyahu while he was speaking. She said they “were immediately removed from the Gallery and arrested.” The police spokesperson also reminded the press that disputing Congress and protesting in the congressional building is illegal. It’s not clear where the other person was when they were apprehended.
The law in Washington, DC, prohibits “parad[ing], demonstrat[ing] or picket[ing] within any of the Capitol Buildings.”
If Netanyahu’s critics were hoping he’d spread a message of unity during his congressional speech, they were disappointed. The prime minister made it clear that he wasn’t going to negotiate. He said he intended to eradicate Hamas and that was not a promise he was going to abandon.
The Israeli leader thanked Democratic and Republican lawmakers for supporting his country. He said that he knows “America has [Israel’s] back.” Ironically, a large number of Democrats boycotted the speech, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). She later called his remarks “the worst” speech ever given to Congress by any foreign leader.
Netanyahu also defended his country, saying they are not starving Palestinians as they fight to rid the Gaza Strip of Hamas fighters. He called allegations that Israel was cutting the region off from food “complete nonsense” and lies. The prime minister also denied the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) was responsible for the thousands of civilian deaths, saying they drop fliers and warn people to get out of the area before bombing it.
The PM traveled to Florida on Friday and met with his longtime ally, former President Donald Trump. The 45th president has been a staunch, unwavering supporter of Israel and made that clear during their meeting.
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