During an address to a joint meeting of Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about his nation’s ongoing war with Hamas since October 7,2023. He stressed that the U.S. and Israel “must stand together” as the world is in a state of “upheaval.” Outside the U.S. Capitol, thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest his speech. Mr. Netanyahu criticized those demonstrators and said they stand with Hamas “rapists and murderers.” He also called the protestors “Iran’s useful idiots,” saying Iran funded the demonstrations. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), a Palestinian American who is against the Israel-Hamas War, could be seen holding up a “war criminal” sign during the speech. Several Democratic lawmakers also showed their opposition to hearing from the prime minister by refusing to appear in the House chamber. Vice President Kamala Harris was also absent because of a prior commitment, according to her office. The prime minister’s remarks begin about 30 minutes into the video.

1:35PM - 3:06PM ETIsraeli Prime Minister Address to Joint Meeting of Congress