Netanyahu Calls Gaza Protesters ‘Useful Idiots of Iran’ Before US Congress, Pays Tribute to Donald Trump

Thousands of opponents of the Israeli leader’s policies gathered around the Capitol, some with signs calling him a “war criminal.”

This is the fourth time – a record for a foreign leader – that Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed Congress. The Israeli prime minister delivered a speech from the chamber of the House of Representatives in Washington on Wednesday, July 24. Reflecting on Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip, which has left more than 39,145 dead according to data from the Health Ministry of the Hamas-led Gaza government, he called the pro-Palestinian protesters,“useful idiots of Iran”.

“When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women who don’t cover their hair applaud and fund you, then you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.”he said as thousands of people opposed to his policies gathered around Congress. Some in the crowd carried signs calling the leader a “war criminal”.

There “victory” Israel’s will also be that of the United States, he added, calling on both countries to “stay united” after more than nine months of war. “For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must remain united”he said. “In the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror is challenging the United States, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations, but a clash between barbarism and civilization.”he added, launching into a spirited defense of the Israeli military.

He urged the United States to release new military aid to Israel, spoke of a demilitarized Gaza and “deradicalized” after the war and said to himself “confident” on the outcome of negotiations to free the hostages held by Hamas.

“The day we defeat Hamas, a new Gaza can emerge… Gaza must have a civil administration run by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel.”

Benjamin Netanyahu

before the US Congress

The Israeli Prime Minister also paid a vibrant tribute to Donald Trump. “I want to thank President Trump for everything he has done for Israel.” The two leaders are due to meet on Friday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, at the invitation of the Republican candidate.