Netanyahu vows 'total victory' in Gaza in US speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed “total victory” against Hamas and condemned US opponents of the war in the Gaza Strip in a scathing speech to Congress.

The speech was boycotted by dozens of Democratic lawmakers and protested by thousands seeking an end to the conflict and the humanitarian crisis created by it.

Netanyahu’s combative speech offered no sign that his visit to the United States - his first trip abroad since the war started - could bring some progress in months of US-led mediation for a ceasefire and hostage-release, as the administration of US President Joe Biden has hoped.

Speaking for nearly an hour to frequent applause from US lawmakers as well as stony silence from many leading Democrats in the chamber, Netanyahu said the United States has a shared interest in his country’s fight against Hamas and other Iran-aligned 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 US, gesturing to demonstrations happening on the streets outside the Capitol.

He called protesters “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries.

Some hostages freed from the Gaza Strip and families of those still in captivity listened in the House chamber.

Security removed protesters in the gallery who rose to display T-shirts with slogans demanding an end to the war and the freeing of remaining hostages.

One member, representative Rashida Tlaib took it a step further, holding up a sign that said “WAR CRIMINAL” on one side and “GUILTY OF GENOCIDE”.

Tlaib has been one of Netanyahu’s most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year against the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed more than 39,000 in Gaza.

Netanyahu started his remarks with praise of US President Joe Biden but he turned to lavishing praise on former president and current presidential contender Donald Trump “for all he’s done for Israel”.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Biden and Harris on Thursday, and with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.