On July 24, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed U.S. leaders at the United States Capitol Building, delivering a speech rich in historical references, moral imperatives, and pressing geopolitical concerns. His message was clear: Israel’s fight is not just for its survival but for the preservation of shared democratic values and security interests with the United States.

As an Israeli deeply concerned with the direction of the U.S., I found Netanyahu’s address to be not only compelling but also a dire warning that our American friends must heed. Those watching the speech, especially those critical of Netanyahu yet who love their country, should recognize the stark reality he presented. The protests outside the Capitol that day served as a visceral illustration of his message. Demonstrators, many waving flags that openly support terrorism, filled the streets with chants of “Free Palestine,” “Stop bombing Gaza,” and “Netanyahu, you can’t hide.” Their actions, culminating in the burning of the U.S. flag and its replacement with Palestinian and Hamas ones, starkly highlighted the very dangers Netanyahu warned about.

Netanyahu did not shy away from addressing these protests. He accused the demonstrators of aligning themselves with Hamas, describing them as “useful idiots” of Iran. “These protesters that stand with them, they should be ashamed of themselves,” he declared, reinforcing his message that Israel’s fight is integral to broader global security. This sentiment is not about blind support for Israel; it is about recognizing the shared threat that extremist ideologies pose to all democracies, including the United States.

The protests outside, with their disturbing displays of hatred and violence, served as a perfect backdrop to Netanyahu’s speech. They were not merely expressions of dissent but direct affronts to the principles of democracy and freedom that both Israel and the United States hold dear. These acts epitomized the very danger Netanyahu warned against: the infiltration of extremist ideologies into the heart of American society.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s fight is inherently linked to the broader battle against terrorism and authoritarianism worldwide. “America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose.” This sentiment aimed to bolster U.S. support for Israel’s military operations, framing them as critical to defeating common enemies and upholding shared values.

For Americans concerned about the direction their country is taking, particularly as elements of the Left align with jihadi sympathizers, Netanyahu’s message is a wake-up call. It is your own country, culture, and survival at risk if you ignore the warning signs. The disruptions in the House Gallery by protesters, who attempted to silence Netanyahu, underscored the contentious nature of his visit and the deep divisions it highlighted within American society.

Netanyahu’s speech was a clarion call for solidarity and action. He highlighted Israel’s contributions to global progress and innovation, contrasting the forces of modernity with those of medievalism. “Israel stands proudly with the forces of modernity. We protect the rights of all our citizens: men and women, Jews and Arabs, Muslims and Christians—all are equal before the law.” He detailed Israel’s advancements in technology, medicine, and agriculture, portraying the nation as a beacon of progress in a region often marked by conflict and regression.

Netanyahu also addressed the disruptions in the House Gallery by protesters, six of whom were removed and arrested. This disruption underscored the contentious nature of his visit and the deep divisions it highlighted within American society. Yet, these interruptions only served to underscore the urgency and righteousness of Netanyahu’s message.

In his closing remarks, Netanyahu returned to the theme of historical continuity and the moral imperatives that guide the Jewish people. He invoked the words of the Jewish prophets Isaiah, Amos, and Jeremiah, emphasizing the values of dignity, compassion, justice, and peace. “These are the timeless values of my people and these are the Jewish people’s greatest gift to mankind. Let us commit ourselves today to defend these values so that we can defend our freedom and protect our common civilization.”

Netanyahu’s speech was a resounding call to arms for the preservation of global security and democratic values. His words were a stark reminder that the threats Israel faces are not isolated but part of a broader struggle against forces that seek to destabilize the world order. The protests outside the Capitol, with their disturbing displays of hatred and violence, served as a visceral illustration of this reality.

The demonstrators who desecrated American symbols and glorified terrorist organizations epitomized the very danger Netanyahu warned against. These acts were not merely expressions of dissent but direct affronts to the principles of democracy and freedom that both Israel and the United States hold dear. They highlighted a disturbing trend: the infiltration of extremist ideologies into the heart of American society.

It is not merely a matter of supporting Israel as an ally; it is about recognizing that Israel’s fight is inherently linked to the broader battle against terrorism and authoritarianism worldwide. Netanyahu’s speech underscored that Israel stands on the front lines of this conflict, defending not only its own sovereignty but the safety and stability of democracies everywhere.

The burning of the U.S. flag and its replacement with Palestinian and Hamas flags by the protesters was more than a symbolic act of defiance. It was a declaration of enmity towards the values that underpin Western civilization. This act, coupled with the chants and slogans in support of terrorism, starkly illustrated the corrosive effect of radicalism on public discourse.

Netanyahu’s unwavering stance and the clear call for international unity were not mere rhetoric but a pragmatic strategy to counter a formidable threat. His speech highlighted the sophisticated nature of Israel’s intelligence and military capabilities, which have been pivotal in preventing numerous terrorist attacks and destabilizing efforts.

The disruptions in the House Gallery by protesters were a microcosm of the larger ideological battle. These individuals, blinded by hatred and misinformation, attempted to silence a leader who speaks the truth about the existential threats posed by extremist ideologies. Their actions were a disservice to the very freedoms they purportedly defend.

Netanyahu’s emphasis on Israel’s humanitarian efforts and technological advancements was a powerful counter-narrative to the demonization perpetuated by anti-Israel propaganda. He reminded the world that Israel, despite being constantly under siege, contributes significantly to global well-being through innovation and compassion.

The Prime Minister’s closing remarks were a poignant reminder of the shared values that bind Israel and the United States. He invoked the timeless principles of dignity, compassion, justice, and peace, values that have guided the Jewish people for millennia and continue to inspire their fight against tyranny and oppression.

In summation, Netanyahu’s address to Congress was a clarion call for solidarity and action. The protests outside, with their overt displays of support for terrorism, served as a stark reminder of the ideological battles that lie ahead. We must heed Netanyahu’s warning and stand united against the threats posed by extremist ideologies and their proxies. Failure to do so would not only endanger Israel but imperil the very foundations of global peace and security.

As Americans who cherish your freedoms and democratic values, you must recognize that the fight against extremism is not just Israel’s fight; it is your fight. Netanyahu’s message is a wake-up call, and the actions of the protesters only served to prove his point. It is time to stand firm, support your allies, and protect the values that define your nation.