Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Netanyahu’s Address to the US Congress

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.