Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed pro-Palestinian protesters in a fiery speech at the US Capitol on Wednesday, calling them “Iran’s useful idiots”, while dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, boycotted the address.
Netanyahu received a standing ovation for his dig at Iran. However, several lawmakers, including Democrat Rashida Tlaib – the only Palestinian American in Congress – chose not to stand. Tlaib, who is a staunch opponent of Israel’s war in Gaza, held up a placard that read ‘war criminal’ and ‘guilty of genocide’ while the Israeli prime minister addressed a joint session of Congress.
“As far as we know, Iran is funding the anti-Israel protests that are going on outside this building — not very many, but they’re there — and all over the city. Well, I have a message for these protesters: When the dictator of Tehran, who hangs gays from cranes and murders women for not covering their hair, is praising, promoting and financing you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots,” Netanyahu said.
The statement prompted loud applause and a standing ovation, but many lawmakers remained in their seats, including Rashida Tlaib.
The Israeli Prime Minister also gave a message to the ‘Gays for Gaza’ movement, which is showing support for Palestine during the Israel-Gaza war.
“Some of these protesters are holding placards declaring gays for Gaza. They might as well write chickens for KFC,” Benjamin Neyetanyahu said.
Pro-Palestinian protesters demanding the US halt military aid to Israel unfurled Palestinian flags and burned American flags outside Washington’s Union Station to protest Netanyahu’s visit to the US. Some protesters gathered outside the US Capitol Hill as the Israeli prime minister spoke to Congress and were pepper sprayed by police.
More than 60 Democrats and political independent Bernie Sanders boycotted Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech. The most notable absence was US Vice President Kamala Harris, who cited a long-planned trip as the reason for not attending.
Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi called the Israeli prime minister’s speech “the worst ever given by any foreign dignitary invited and honored to address Congress.”
This was Netanyahu’s fourth address to the US Congress, the most by any foreign leader. He alleged that Iran is behind virtually all terrorism, turmoil, chaos and killings in the Middle East.
(with inputs from agencies)