By: The Editorial Board – wsj.com – July 24, 2024

Kamala Harris and J.D. Vance both skipped the Prime Minister’s speech, alas.

Had they listened, they might have learned why Israel fights. They also would have heard from Mr. Netanyahu that “Israel has enabled more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza. That’s half-a-million tons of food and more than 3,000 calories [a day] for every man, woman and child in Gaza” before Hamas’s theft. They could have considered how “the ability of all democracies to fight terrorism will be imperiled” by the constraints international institutions seek to impose on Israel.

“The war in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms and returns all the hostages,” Mr. Netanyahu said. But if they don’t, Israel will fight until victory. “Give us the tools faster, and we’ll finish the job faster,” he said. The implication that President Biden’s decision to delay weapons transfers has dragged out the war is true, but it was wisely left unsaid.

Mr. Netanyahu thanked Mr. Biden and Donald Trump—and all Americans—for their support. Democrats are still sore, however, from his 2015 address criticizing the Iran nuclear deal. The Prime Minister warned then that Iran was surrounding Israel in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, and “seizing control of Yemen, threatening the strategic straits at the mouth of the Red Sea.” He asked, “Would Iran be less aggressive when sanctions are removed and its economy is stronger?”

We know the answer. The Biden Administration filled Iran’s coffers by ceasing to enforce oil sanctions, and Iranian aggression increased. Tehran’s proxies laid waste to Israel’s south and have made its north a no-man’s land.

Vice President Kamala Harris declined to preside over the joint meeting of Congress, the first she has declined, to address a sorority. Sen. J.D. Vance skipped to campaign. Rep. Nancy Pelosi boycotted, saying she wishes Mr. Netanyahu would “open his eyes” and make a hostage deal. He’d like to—is the criticism that he won’t give in to Hamas at any price?

Sen. Bernie Sanders called Mr. Netanyahu a “war criminal.” Rep. Jamaal Bowmansaid he should be arrested. Joining them in boycott were dozens of Democrats, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who has tried to cut off all weapons to Israel while its enemies keep shooting.

While protesters in Washington tore down and burned U.S. flags, chanting “Allahu akbar,” Mr. Netanyahu argued, “Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight, our victory will be your victory.” The American people know that. Do their leaders?

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Source: Netanyahu Makes Israel’s Case to Congress – WSJ