'Abraham Alliance': Netanyahu proposes formation of regional alliance to counter Iran's influence

Israeli PM delivered a speech before a joint US Congress session in his fourth appearance before the legislative body

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday where he proposed the formation of a regional alliance to counter Iran's influence, expressing gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his efforts and advocating for the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

"I have a name for this new alliance. I think we should call it the Abraham Alliance," he said, also thanking former President Donald Trump for promoting normalisation between Israel and other regional countries.

It was a record fourth speech by a foreign leader to a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, surpassing British wartime leader Winston Churchill, who made three.

Netanyahu stated that Israel, the United States and the Arab world are under threat from Iran's "axis of terror". "Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Iran's axis of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations. It's a clash between barbarism and civilization," he said.

"For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together," he said, after arriving to applause and cheers from Republicans and a much more muted reception from Democrats.

Netanyahu claimed that the majority of Americans continue to support Israel and dismiss what he referred to as "Hamas’s lies." He expressed confidence in efforts to secure the release of hostages seized by Hamas, in a speech to US lawmakers attended by Noa Argamani, who was held by the militants.

"I'm confident that these efforts can succeed, some of them are taking place right now," Netanyahu said. "I want to thank President Biden for his tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages."

Netanyahu, quoting a US military analyst, asserted that Israel has exceeded international legal requirements to avoid civilian casualties. He also praised President Biden's "heartfelt support" for Israel, highlighting Biden's condemnation of Hamas and military support to deter a wider conflict.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu's remarks come as his policies face significant criticism. He commented on escalating attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels and thanked politicians from both Democratic and Republican parties for their consistent support.

"As we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back. And I thank you for it, all sides of the aisle," he said.

Netanyahu shifted his focus to Hezbollah, linking the group to Iran and warning that Israel might resort to military action if diplomacy fails to resolve border tensions with Lebanon.

He described tens of thousands of Israelis who evacuated their homes near the Lebanon border amid exchanges of fire with Hezbollah as “refugees in their own land,” asserting that Israel will do "whatever it must do" to restore security.

These statements come amid ongoing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Rights groups accuse Israel of violating international law, targeting civilians, and creating severe humanitarian crises.

Numerous rights groups and observers have accused Israel of violating international law by targeting civilians, cutting off essential supplies, displacing over 90% of Gaza's population, and devastating entire neighborhoods.

Despite claims of broad US support, a recent Gallup poll found that 48% of Americans disapprove of Israel's actions in Gaza, while only 42% support them. A May poll by Data for Progress revealed that around 70% of voters favour a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a measure Netanyahu has firmly rejected.

Media reports indicate that large parts of Gaza have been designated as "free fire zones" by Israeli forces. Additionally, a US doctor who volunteered in Gaza has alleged that Israeli snipers have systematically targeted Palestinian children.

The Israeli PM also criticised student protesters and college administrators who have resisted calls to suppress campus protests, mockingly comparing LGBTQ activists supporting Palestinian rights to chickens supporting Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Protesters opposed to the devastating war in Gaza are "Iran's useful idiots," Netanyahu said, claiming that Tehran is funding the demonstrations.

"I have a message for these protesters: When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots," he added.

He labelled accusations of Israel being racist and genocidal as attempts to delegitimise and demonise the Jewish state and Jews globally, attributing these narratives to a rise in antisemitism.

Netanyahu praised former President Trump for his unwavering support of Israeli priorities during his presidency. Highlighting Trump's controversial decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem—a move widely criticised as violating international law—Netanyahu expressed deep gratitude.

“Like Americans, Israelis were relieved that President Trump emerged safe and sound from that dastardly attack on him, a dastardly attack on American democracy. There is no room for political violence in democracies,” Netanyahu stated.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers skipped his speech to Congress, expressing dismay over the thousands of civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis from Israel's campaign in Gaza. 

During the speech, Representative Rashida Tlaib, wearing a keffiyeh and holding a "war criminal" sign, was a visible symbol of dissent.

Netanyahu, facing an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, described pro-Palestine protesters as supporters of Hamas, rapists, and murderers, asserting they should feel ashamed.

Jacob Magid of the Times of Israel reported that several relatives of hostages in Gaza walked out of Netanyahu's speech, reflecting their discontent. Netanyahu's pledge to not rest until the hostages are home received applause from the majority present, excluding a dozen or so hostage families.

As Netanyahu praised Israeli military members, Capitol Police deployed pepper spray against protesters chanting "Free, free Palestine." Thousands of demonstrators took to nearby streets amid the tightest security since the January 6, 2021, attack.

The Capitol building was surrounded by high fencing, with a heavy police presence. Just before Netanyahu spoke, the US Capitol police reported that some of the protests had become violent, prompting them to use pepper spray.

Adam Abusalah, an Arab-American activist, criticised Netanyahu's invitation to Congress, calling it a disgrace that members from both parties and Vice President Kamala Harris would meet with him. "We are here to say enough is enough. As Americans, we will not stand for that," Abusalah said at a protest near the Capitol.

Pro-Palestinian groups and university students have for months protested in the US against Israel's offensive in Gaza, a Hamas-ruled enclave where health authorities say nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly all of its 2.3 million people have been displaced.

With Additional Input From AFP and Reuters