What it’s about
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint meeting of Congress, seeking to reinvigorate bipartisan American support for Israel, particularly in the face of continuous threats from terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Why it matters
Given recent tensions and the decline in support from some factions, Netanyahu’s speech presents a pivotal moment to counter anti-Israel sentiment and realign the United States’ support for Israel. This is especially significant amidst ongoing security threats that require reinforcing U.S.-Israel relations.
The Backdrop
Since its establishment, Israel has faced countless threats, most recently from attacks by Hamas from Gaza and Hezbollah from Lebanon. The unwavering support from the United States has historically provided Israel with critical economic aid and military assistance to defend against these threats. However, support from Democrats and young Americans has seen a decline, leading to hate-filled and anti-Israel demonstrations in places like college campuses.
Netanyahu’s Challenges and Goals
Netanyahu needs to dismantle the lies against Israel with compelling facts. He will likely argue against the “two-state solution,” highlighting that many Palestinians and groups like Hamas aim to replace Israel with a radical Islamic state. The land demands by the Palestinian Authority for the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem threaten Israel’s security and existence, an unacceptable position for Israeli sovereignty.
An “Empty Gesture”
Even if a Palestinian state were to exist just in the West Bank and Gaza, Israel would be left critically vulnerable. The proximity would enable rapid missile attacks shrinking the defensive window to mere minutes, and technological advancements will only exacerbate these threats.
A Historical Perspective
Claims that Israel is a colonial power are unfounded as Jews have lived in and governed over the land for thousands of years. Criticizing Jews as “occupiers” of their historical homeland is akin to calling Native Americans “occupiers” of the United States. Additionally, Israel is a thriving democracy inclusive of its Arab population, which constitutes 21% of its citizenry.
Root Causes and Accountability
Tracing the origins of the current conflict, it is essential to note that Hamas – not Israel – initiated aggression. Hamas has used enormous resources to create terror tunnels and accumulate weaponry rather than fostering a self-sufficient Gazan society. Netanyahu must emphasize that Hamas is solely accountable for the conflicts and war crime atrocities, including approximately 1,200 civilian murders and hostage-taking during the Oct. 7 attack.
Global Terrorism Links
Hamas and Hezbollah are supported by Iran, which aims at both American and Israeli destruction while progressing with nuclear ambitions. This regional threat architecture stresses the immediacy for strategic collaborations among the U.S., Israel, and Arab nations to counteract Iran’s belligerence.
The Path Forward
A decisive speech could drive the recommitment from the U.S. and pinpoint that a new Palestinian state granted under current terrorist influences would endanger regional stability. Israel’s security must precede any such internationally-devised solution misaligned to benefit terror-driven entities that prefer shedding Palestinian and Israeli blood alike.
The pro-Israel message hopes to win greater American bipartisan support, a necessity to counterman propagandist narratives. Enhancing Israeli-US relations affirms a stand against shared adversaries, like Iran and its financed militias.
Conclusion
Netanyahu’s address to Congress aspires to reinstate a collective endorsement of Israel foundational to Middle Eastern stability. An assertive framework deterred from diplomatic alignments that ignore Israel’s security could prevent the ascendancy of terror groups, ensuring peace and prosperity not just for Israel, but for Palestinians desiring peaceful coexistence.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.