'Total victory': Netanyahu pledges to continue fight against Hamas in congressional address

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday about Israel's war against Hamas. Netanyahu told Congress the world is witnessing a clash not between civilizations but a "clash between barbarism and civilization."

Netanyahu told Congress, "we meet today at a crossroads of history." 

He urged that "America and Israel must stand together," and that together "we will win."

Netanyahu was effusive in his praise for President Joe Biden, the American people, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Netanyahu praised the "boundless courage" of the IDF. Netanyahu recounted the story of an IDF soldier, present at the address, who ran eight miles to Gaza on the morning of October 7 "to defend his people."

Netanyahu repeatedly praised Biden for his support and military assistance after the devastating attacks on Israel before turning to the American people generally.

“Thank you, America,” Netanyahu said in gratitude for the continued support of the American people.

Netanyahu singled out the fraternity brothers who raised the U.S. flag during an anti-Israel protest at the University of North Carolina. The shoutout elicited raucous cheers and chants of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.! U.S.A.!”

Netanyahu had harsh words for some Americans, though, calling out anti-Israel protestors.

"Useful idiot" protestors, Netanyahu said, were doing Iran's bidding.

Netanyahu also singled out protestors with "Gays for Gaza" signs, which he likened to "Chickens for KFC."

Vice President Kamala Harris did not preside over the joint session in her capacity as President of the Senate because she is traveling to Indiana. Harris, now the top 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, instead met privately with Netanyahu.

The invitation attracted intense criticism from the far-left, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who called Netanyahu a "war criminal" in a June 18 tweet and said "his invitation should be revoked."

On Tuesday, pro-Palestinian protestors stormed the Rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building in protest of Netanyahu's visit. They brandished banners reading, "Jews say: stop the genocide" and "Let Gaza Live."

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., warned visitors and colleagues alike he would "enforce a zero-tolerance policy for disturbances" during Netanyahu's address.

Visitors disrupting the address, Johnson said, would be subject to removal and prosecution. Members of Congress were expected to police their own behavior. Netanyahu’s address proceeded without disruption.