Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Joe Biden for his “heartfelt” support of Israel, noting Biden has described himself as a “proud Irish American Zionist.”
“I want to thank President Biden for his tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages and for his efforts to the hostage families as well. I thank President Biden for his heartfelt support for Israel after the savage attack on October 7th,” Netanyahu said in his address Wednesday to Congress.
Netanyahu also credited Biden for sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East to deter attacks from Israel’s enemies and for visiting the country shortly after the Oct. 7 attack.
“He came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten,” Netanyahu said. “I want to thank him for half a century of friendship to Israel and for being, as he says… ‘a proud Irish American Zionist.'”
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.
Thousands of protesters have 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.
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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