Netanyahu calls protesters ‘useful idiots’ as he vows ‘total victory’ over Hamas in speech to Congress

Thousands of protesters rallied on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday night as Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech vowing to continue Israel’s war in Gaza until “total victory”.

Demonstrators chanted and waved Palestinian flags as the Israeli prime minister gave a defiant address to Congress, despite a boycott by 50 Democrats who announced they would not attend in protest at his handling of the war.

To applause from some, and stony silence from others, Mr Netanyahu sought to bolster American support for his country’s fight against Hamas and other Iranian-backed armed groups.

“America and Israel must stand together,” he said, opening his speech to one of several standing ovations.

Outside, a stage decked with banners included one declaring him a “Wanted War Criminal” – in reference to an arrest warrant sought by International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors. Mr Netanyahu denies war crimes allegations. Police wearing gas marks blocked the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from getting closer to the Capitol.

In his speech, Mr Netanyahu referred to the protesters and said he had a message for them.

“When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots,” he said.

Nine months into the war, Mr Netanyahu’s speech dashed hopes by some that his latest visit to the United States could bring some breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.

“When we stand together, something really simple happens: we win, they lose,” said Mr Netanyahu, who wore a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by