Published on July 29, 2024, 1:03 am

In a thought-provoking address to a joint session of Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew a clear line between civilization and barbarism. A greater commitment to US military aid for Israel was at the heart of his speech, emphasizing that this conflict is not just a clash of civilizations but rather a struggle between barbarism and civilization – an event which holds immense importance in today’s real news scenario.

Interestingly, Netanyahu’s speech laid bare the growing rift within American politics regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel’s role in it. This division was evident when numerous Democratic congressional members, sympathetic towards the Palestinian cause, boycotted the session. This lack of consensus shows that supporting Israel has now become politically risky terrain for liberal factions.

Notably absent from this crucial session were both president Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. However, this did not prevent Netanyahu from referencing Biden as “a proud Irish-American Zionist,” a term that may meet with resistance especially among progressives who desire change in policies supporting Israel.

Amid these developments, accusations of perceived distance grew stronger with Kamala Harris choosing to be absent due to another commitment – her keynote address at the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indianapolis than attending Netanyahu’s important speech.

The proceedings weren’t without drama as Rep. Rashida Tlaib displayed small signs reading “War Criminal” during pivotal moments during the address. Simultaneously, hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists gathered around Capitol Hill displaying their disapproval towards granting Netanyahu such an elevated platform.

This prompted Matt Brooks, CEO of Republican Jewish Coalition, to criticize those boycotting the event accusing them of pettiness and closed-mindedness. He emphasized the historic significance of democratically elected head of state from Middle East addressing Congress echoing that support for Israel is increasingly waning even among mainstream Democrats.

During his moving discourse, Netanyahu sternly criticized anti-Israel protesters prevalent on US college campuses telling them they have unwittingly become useful agents for Iran. His wry comparison of ‘Gays for Gaza’ supporters to ‘chickens supporting KFC’ drew attention towards the real news with respect to the skewed political discourse in favor of Palestinians.

Such developments, as Matt Brooks underlined, are indeed concerning, as there seems to be a shift from bipartisan support for Israel, leaving the Republican Party as its sole champion.

Interestingly, even J.D Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate and Senate member skipped Netanyahu’s speech offering no reasons for his absence stoking speculation about internal party disagreements.

Amidst this rapidly changing political landscape marked by Biden and Harris’s wavering position on providing military aid to a country fighting against Hamas terrorism. The future is perceived as fraught with danger if these negative trends towards Israel continue unchecked.

On another note, Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington during a time of commotion following President Biden’s unexpected announcement not to seek re-election.

Beneath an overcast political canopy lies uncertainty where blurring alliances and dividening support herald unfavorable times unless the tide turns back towards unity and understanding that remains pivotal in navigating through global challenges from a Christian worldview.