It would be fair to say that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is a divisive figure, both within and outside of Israel. He has no doubt done a lot of good for Israel, and there are many who would argue he has also done some bad.
But what cannot be in any doubt is what a master orator he is, as his speech to Congress yesterday – a masterclass – shows.
I would like to make some observations and draw your attention to certain things in the speech, which stood out for me.
- The constant applauses and standing ovations were heartwarming and a huge indication of the bipartisan support that Israel enjoys. Not to mention a reminder that social media does not necessarily represent real life.
- The speech reminded me just as to how Netanyahu’s command of English and American culture (from his time studying at MIT) are such assets. Not only is he articulate, but he understands the American psyche. For instance, when he proclaimed, “Because when we stand together, something very simple happens. We win. They lose,” it was like a line out of a Hollywood movie where the coach is addressing the football team.
- Netanyahu is a master of wordplay, using catchy, easy to remember phrases to make powerful points. Some examples of this from the speech were:
- “This is not a clash of civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization.”
- “For Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy. For Hamas, it’s a strategy”
- Netanyahu’s references to the Bible and the Maccabees were powerful reminders as to our deep historical ties to the land of Israel, and how we are not colonizers but returnees to our ancient homeland.
- His introducing freed hostage Noa Argamani and speaking about how freeing her was the fulfilment of her mother’s dying wish really tugged at the heart strings.
- The war heroes Netanyahu brought with him not just showed the courageous spirit of the IDF and powerfully proved his point about how the State of Israel ensures “Never Again.” Their being from different backgrounds – an Ethiopian Jew, a Bedouin Muslim, and Ashkenazi/Sephardi Jews – gave a glimpse as to the diversity of Israeli society and showed how the “apartheid” label is bogus.
- Netanyahu having Congress chanting “USA! USA! USA!” was something really to behold.
- With many Americans opposing US involvement in the Middle East and US spending on Israel, Netanyahu accurately painting Israel’s fight as the US’ fight, Iran aiming to destroy not just Israel but the West, and the Israel-haters as being not just against Israel (and with Hamas) but also anti-US, were really important points.
- Netanyahu’s “Gays for Gaza is like Chickens for KFC” comment is another indication as to how he (or his team) are social media savvy, since he certainly didn’t invent this, but recognizes this established meme as a catchy, humorous way of making a powerful point.
- Netanyahu usually likes to use “props” but didn’t this time. Instead, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib unwittingly proved to be the perfect prop to illustrate exactly what Netanyahu was referring to, when she held up the placards “War Criminal” and “Guilty of Genocide” right after he spoke about how the lies levelled against the Jewish state painting us as racist and genocidal are a new manifestation of ages-old antisemitic blood libels – as if on cue:
So yes, I appreciated the speech.
One thing I did not like about it, though, was when Netanyahu seemed to take credit for Noa Argamani’s rescue in an operation he “authorized.” I felt this was unnecessary and somewhat opportunistic.
When the smoke clears and we (hopefully) wipe out Hamas, Netanyahu will need to step down because the events of October 7 happened on his watch, and that is what a responsible leader would need to do. But however history judges him, it cannot leave out the fact that he has done some good over the years, including as one hell of a powerful speaker on the international stage.
