Indian Express Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : Netanyahu’s Address to the US Congress
GS-2 Mains Exam : IR
Introduction:
- Benjamin Netanyahu’s Address: Fourth address to the US Congress, surpassing Winston Churchill.
- Disappointments and Divisions: Marked by disappointments among US political class and divisions over support for Israel.
Missed Opportunity for Statesmanship:
- Hostage Families’ Hopes: Israeli hostage families hoped Netanyahu would announce a deal to end violence and return captives; he did not.
- Call for Total Victory: Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s aim for “total victory” and requested more US aid and arms, disappointing those seeking an end to the war.
- Divided US Support: Applause notwithstanding, US political class is more divided than ever on unconditional support for Israel.
- Lack of Statesmanship: Netanyahu failed to rise to the moment for peace and his country’s interests.
Minimal Efforts to End the Conflict:
- Rising Casualties: Over 39,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, killed since Israel’s retaliation against Hamas’s October 7 attacks.
- Ongoing Hostage Crisis: Hamas still holds 150 hostages.
- Diplomatic Isolation: Israel faces increasing diplomatic isolation.
- ICC Genocide Case: International Criminal Court has admitted a case of genocide against Israel.
- Need for Ceasefire: Urgent need for Israeli government to work towards a ceasefire and build diplomatic bridges for national interest and humanitarian concern.
US Support Becoming an Election Issue:
- Netanyahu’s Attacks on Dissenters: Criticized protesters and dissenters as “standing with rapists and murderers” and “Iran’s useful idiots.”
- Boycotted Speech: Nearly half of Democratic legislators, some Republicans, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, boycotted his speech; others like Majority Leader Chuck Schumer refused to shake his hand.
- Fraying Consensus: With the upcoming presidential election, consensus on supporting Israel is likely to weaken further within and between US political parties.
Netanyahu’s Appeal to Both Parties:
- Praise for Biden and Trump: Netanyahu praised both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, calling Trump an “Irish-American Zionist.”
- Violating White House Red Lines: Continued actions like attacks on Rafah violating red lines drawn by the White House.
- Democratic Political Cost: Democrats facing political backlash for government’s support of Israel, with many protesters, including university students and urban liberals, being part of the party’s base.
- Michigan Primary Protest Votes: In the Democratic primary in Michigan, 100,000 “uncontested” ballots cast to show disappointment with Biden’s backing of Israel.
- Harris’s Absence: Kamala Harris, presumptive Democratic nominee, did not attend Netanyahu’s address, citing a prior commitment, indicating political distance.
Conclusion:
- Need for Change in Approach: Netanyahu’s upcoming meetings with Trump and Biden should focus on stopping demands for unconditional support.
- Call for Ceasefire: A promise to end the violence and an immediate announcement of a ceasefire is essential.