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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a historic fourth appearance to address the US Congress in Washington DC to appeal Israel’s case to an international audience.

He characterised the existential threat to Israel’s sovereignty as a fight between good and evil. In outlining the events of October 7, he compared the deaths of Israelis at the hands of Hamas terrorists, in population terms, as four 9/11^s on one day.

“We meet today at a crossroad of history.  Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Iran’s access of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilisations. It is a clash between barbarism and civilisation.

It is a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. For the forces of civilisation to triumph America and Israel must stand together because when we stand together something very simple happens. We win, they lose.

And, my friends, I came to assure you today of one thing – we will win!”

He thanked the soldiers, families of hostages, and released hostages who were present; as well as the current serving IDF and those who are standing with Israel.

Misguided Protesters and Befuddled Academics

Many pro-Palestinian protesters, he suggested, made the choice to side with evil against good. Sadly, not only students but also academics in leading universities were ‘befuddled’ in their knowledge and displayed ignorance of history.

“And don’t be fooled when the blood libels against the Jewish state, come from people who wear fancy silk robes and speak in lofty tones about law and justice. Here is a case in point: the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving the people of Gaza. This is utterly complete nonsense. It is a complete fabrication.

Israel has enabled more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza. That is half a million tons of food, and that is more than 3000 calories for every man, woman and child in Gaza. If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren’t getting enough food, it is not because Israel is blocking it, it’s because Hamas is stealing it.”

In addressing the issue of the death of civilians, Netanyahu challenged the Hamas propaganda. He asked the Commanding Officer how many deaths had been in Rafa. “Practically none,” he replied, “because Israel ensured the civilians were out of harm’s way.” Referring to how Hamas uses their own civilians as human shields:

“Iran is virtually behind all the terrorism, all the turmoil, all the chaos, all the killing. And that should come as no surprise. When he founded the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini pledged: We will export our revolution to the entire world. We will export the Islamic Revolution to the entire world.

Now, ask yourself. Which country ultimately stands in the way of Iran’s maniacal plans to impose radical Islam on the world?  It is clear. It is America, the guardian of Western Civilisation and the world’s greatest power.”

That’s why Iran sees America as its greatest enemy.

“My friends, if you remember one thing, one thing only from this speech. Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight and our victory will be your victory.”

Israel is also facing Hezbollah attacks from the North, which resulted in 30,000 civilians being displaced, like refugees in their own land.

And to add salt to the wound, Yemen sent a drone attack into Tel Aviv, killing and injuring many civilians.

What Could Post-War Gaza Look Like?  

In outlining his vision for Gaza after the victory over Hamas is won, the PM said:

“Gaza should have a civil administration run by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel. That is not too much to ask. It is a fundamental thing that we have a right to demand.  We want to see a new generation of Palestinians who must no longer be taught to hate Jews, but rather to live in peace with us.

Those twin words, demilitiarisation and deradicalisation – those two concepts were applied to Germany and Japan after World War II, and that led to decades of peace, prosperity and security.

Following our victory with the help of regional partners, the demilitiarisation and deradicalisation of Gaza can also lead to a future of security, prosperity and peace. That’s my vision for Gaza.”

He went on to outline his vision for the Middle East:

“It also shaped in part by what we saw in the aftermath of World War II. After that war, America forged a security alliance with Europe to counter the growing Soviet threat. Likewise, America and Israel today can forge a security alliance in the Middle East to counter the growing Iranian threat. All countries that are at peace with Israel and all countries that will make peace with Israel, should be invited to join this alliance.”

Keep the Arms and Ammunition Coming

In seeking a continuation of military assistance, Netanyahu appealed to both sides of politics to unite against a common enemy. Citing experience from previous wars, he pledged a swift and victorious end to the war if Israel continued to receive the military assistance it needed. He pointed out again the real issues – not just an existential threat to Israel, but a war on Western civilisations everywhere.

After thanking the American people again and pledging Israel’s strongest support for their alliance, he closed his historic speech with these stirring words:

“Working together, I am confident that our two nations will vanquish the tyrants and terrorists that threaten us most. As Israel’s Prime Minister, I promise you this. No matter how long it takes, no matter how difficult the road ahead, Israel will not relent, Israel will not bend, we will defend our land, we will defend our people. We will fight until we achieve victory. Victory of liberty over tyranny, victory of life over death, victory of good over evil. That is our solemn commitment.”

Most Standing Ovations Ever

Netanyahu’s speech was well received by those present.

Notably absent were some leading Democrats, including presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who continues to spout anti-Israeli sentiments. But the prize for the least helpful comments must go to Nancy Pelosi, who sarcastically described it as:

“by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States.”

That tells you a great deal about her lack of respect not only for Israel, but also for her fellow parliamentarians, who gave Netanyahu more standing ovations than any person who has addressed the US joint sitting.

Standing in His Shoes

For just a moment, can you imagine standing in Israel’s Prime Minister’s shoes?  He is leading a small, democratic nation, that is a mass of paradoxes.

On the one hand, it is an example of the peaceful co-existence of people from many different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities, living together to build a better future. In 75 years, Israel has risen from the ashes to be a thriving economy and leader on the world stage in technology, agriculture, start-ups and innovation.

Yet, this tiny nation of just 8 million people, who live in an area a third the size of Tasmania, has faced constant external threats to its existence since it was re-established in 1948. Wars and rumours of wars are the daily experience of Israelis. Added to that, Jews around the world face anti-semitism on a daily basis.

Is It too much for Israel to expect the rest of the free world to thank them for what they are doing and pledge to support them?  Shame on us if we don’t recognise they are fighting on our behalf.

What we do know is that biblical prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes. As Netanyahu stated:

“The land of Israel is where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob prayed, where Isaiah and Jeremiah preached and where David and Solomon ruled.”

It is our biblical heartland. It is the land of our Saviour’s birth, death, and resurrection. It is the land where our scriptures were first penned and have been faithfully preserved.

Thank God for Israel.

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Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.