By Polly Tickle
In a baffling display of international relations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, widely criticized and labeled a “Middle-Eastern terrorist” by his detractors, has landed in Washington, D.C. His visit has ignited a storm of protests, arrests, and a heightened security presence, all while he prepares to justify the controversial actions that have earned him global condemnation.
Netanyahu’s arrival has sparked massive protests across the capital. Demonstrators, led by Jewish Voice for Peace, staged a dramatic sit-in at the Cannon House Office Building, chanting “Let Gaza Live!” and “Not In Our Name.” Their message was clear: end the U.S. military aid to Israel that supports the systematic destruction of Palestinian infrastructure and the suffering of civilians. Capitol Police eventually intervened, arresting over 400 protesters, including more than a dozen rabbis, who were zip-tied and escorted away.
Masterclass in Misery
Netanyahu’s visit is not just a diplomatic tour; it’s a masterclass in state-sponsored terrorism. He arrives equipped with strategies for infrastructure removal, vital to his campaign of human misery in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. His playbook includes effective methods to justify the mass murder of children under the guise of “security operations.” In a session that might as well be titled “How to Starve a Population 101,” Netanyahu is expected to share tips and tricks on cutting off water supplies, blocking medical aid, and ensuring maximum civilian casualties through targeted bombings.
Protests and Outrage
Protesters outside Netanyahu’s hotel and throughout Washington have labeled him a war criminal. “When we say ‘Never Again,’ we mean never for anybody,” said Jane Hirschmann, whose family has personally witnessed the horrors Netanyahu’s policies have wrought. These sentiments are echoed by the international community, with numerous countries bringing cases against Israel in the International Court of Justice. Even Pakistan officially considers Netanyahu a terrorist, reflecting the global outrage at his brutal tactics.
Starving and Thirsting for Peace
While Netanyahu speaks to Congress, he will undoubtedly gloss over the grim realities of his policies. Under his direction, the Israeli military has perfected the art of infrastructure destruction. Hospitals, schools, and water treatment facilities in Gaza have been systematically targeted, leaving millions without access to basic necessities. The blockade, another of Netanyahu’s brainchildren, ensures that food and medical supplies trickle in at a rate designed to keep the population on the brink of starvation without drawing too much international ire.
Biden’s Complicity
The protests have also turned their ire toward the Biden administration for its continued arms shipments to Israel. Demonstrators accuse President Biden of hypocrisy, calling for a cease-fire while simultaneously fueling the conflict with bombs and planes. “We’re not focusing on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom,” Hirschmann explained. “But how can Biden be calling for a cease-fire when he’s sending them bombs and planes?”.
Political Theater
As Netanyahu prepares to deliver his address to Congress, Washington is locked down with heightened security measures. Vice President Kamala Harris, typically present for such addresses, will be notably absent due to a pre-scheduled trip, conveniently distancing herself from the controversial visit. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has announced he will meet Netanyahu, adding another layer of absurdity to the political theater.
Cease-fire and Hostage Drama
Adding to the drama, families of hostages held by Hamas have staged their own protests, urging Netanyahu to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of approximately 120 Israeli hostages. These emotional pleas highlight the human cost of Netanyahu’s hardline policies. Yet, despite a viable deal on the table, Netanyahu’s intransigence continues to prolong their suffering, reinforcing his image as a leader who values power over human life.
Conclusion
As Netanyahu struts through the halls of American power, presenting himself as a statesman, the reality of his actions tells a different story. His visit is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under his watch and the global complicity that allows such terror to persist. While he lectures Congress on security, the world sees a man responsible for untold suffering and death, a true embodiment of state-sponsored terrorism.