Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing information from the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, said on Wednesday that Iran was “funding and promoting anti-Israel protesters in America.”
“Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America. They want to disrupt America,” Netanyahu said in his address before a joint meeting of Congress.
As Netanyahu spoke, thousands of protesters had gathered near the Capitol to demonstrate against the war, which has led to the death of more than 39,000 Palestinians and plunged the Gaza strip into a humanitarian crisis.
“For all we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on right now outside this building,” Netanyahu said.
“I have a message for these protesters: When the tyrants of Tehran … are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots,” he added, noting human rights abuses that have been documented in Iran.
Netanyahu’s appearance before Congress comes as the Israeli leader faces criticism both abroad and at home over Israel’s war in Gaza and the hostages who have not been rescued after being taken from Israel on Oct. 7.
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers as well as independent Sen. Bernie Sanders are boycotting Netanyahu’s speech. Democrats who support Israel have also spoken out against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is due to meet with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, and with former President Donald Trump on Friday.
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