Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States did not bring about a hoped-for breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives. Instead, Netanyahu vowed to continue the war until “total victory,” disappointing those who anticipated progress toward peace. Addressing U.S. lawmakers, Netanyahu sought to rally support for the Israeli war on Gaza. “America and Israel must stand together. When we stand together something really simple happens: We win, they lose,” he declared, drawing applause from some and stony silence from others. Notably, he wore a yellow pin to express solidarity with the Israeli captives held by Hamas. Netanyahu’s speech quickly took a darker tone as he criticized war protests on U.S. college campuses and elsewhere, calling the protesters “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries. This remark drew shouts of applause from many in Congress but also silence from leading Democrats who did not stand to cheer. The House chamber included freed former captives of Hamas and families of hostages. Security removed protesters from the gallery who displayed T-shirts with slogans demanding an end to the conflict and the release of captives. Netanyahu, frequently…
