Netanyahu on Capitol Hill: Israel ‘Must Finish the Job in Gaza’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a forceful appearance on Capitol Hill this week, reiterating Israel’s unwavering stance against Hamas and vowing to “finish the job” in Gaza despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire.
Addressing a joint session of Congress and engaging in private meetings with both President Trump and congressional leaders, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s national security, the safety of its citizens, and the restoration of peace in the region depend on fully dismantling Hamas’s military and political infrastructure.
“Israel is not seeking endless war,” Netanyahu said in his formal remarks, according to a transcript released by the Prime Minister’s Office. “We are seeking a clear and final victory over those who have pledged to destroy us.” He went on to stress that any ceasefire which leaves Hamas intact would amount to “a surrender to terror,” warning U.S. lawmakers against the temptation of short-term diplomacy over long-term security.
Netanyahu’s speech came as Israel continues its military campaign in the Gaza Strip, launched in response to Hamas’s October 2024 surprise attack that killed more than 1,200 Israeli citizens and took hundreds hostage. Nearly nine months later, while some progress has been made in eliminating Hamas command centers and leadership, Netanyahu affirmed that the mission remains incomplete.
“We must finish the job,” he declared. “Israel will not live under the shadow of terror. No sovereign nation would tolerate what we have endured.” His words drew strong applause from Republican lawmakers and conservative allies who view Israel’s struggle as a frontline battle against Islamic extremism.
Meeting privately with former President Donald Trump before his Capitol Hill appearance, Netanyahu discussed ongoing efforts to free remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens. “President Trump understands what’s at stake,” Netanyahu told reporters afterward. “He knows that weakness invites aggression. He supports our right—our obligation—to defend ourselves fully.”
According to Reuters, Netanyahu credited Trump for initiating the Abraham Accords, which have paved the way for historic normalization deals between Israel and Arab nations. “Those agreements prove that peace is possible in the Middle East—but not at the expense of Israeli security,” Netanyahu noted.
While the Biden administration continues to advocate for a negotiated ceasefire and a two-state solution, Netanyahu’s remarks signaled that such diplomatic overtures are premature without the total defeat of Hamas. “A two-state solution must not be a reward for terrorism,” Netanyahu stated. “We will not negotiate under fire.”
Critics, primarily on the progressive left, have raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. However, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is taking “unprecedented measures” to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate aid. “Let me be clear: We are fighting terrorists, not civilians,” he said. “Hamas hides behind women and children. They build tunnels under hospitals and store rockets in schools. The moral responsibility lies with them.”
His sentiment aligns with conservative Christian values regarding just war and moral clarity in the face of evil. For many evangelical supporters in the United States, Netanyahu’s call to finish the fight in Gaza resonates deeply with biblical principles of justice and national defense. As Psalm 82:4 declares, “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Netanyahu’s Capitol Hill visit also underscored the growing divide between the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and pro-Israel lawmakers. While most Republicans and some centrist Democrats applauded the prime minister’s remarks, others boycotted the speech or issued statements criticizing his stance. Nonetheless, Netanyahu remained defiant: “The friendship between Israel and America transcends politics,” he said. “It is anchored in shared values and a common destiny.”
The prime minister’s comments also echoed his broader strategic vision for the Middle East. Netanyahu argued that defeating Hamas would not only stabilize Israel’s borders but also send a strong message to Iran and other terror-sponsoring regimes. “If we fail to confront Hamas, we invite more terror—not just in Israel, but across the West,” he warned.
From a conservative Christian worldview, Netanyahu’s steadfastness is commendable. In an age of moral relativism and geopolitical appeasement, Israel’s resolve stands as a beacon of conviction. There can be no lasting peace without the eradication of evil. As Romans 13:4 reminds us, governing authorities bear the sword “to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Israel, as a sovereign state, is carrying out its God-ordained duty to protect its people.
As fighting continues in Gaza, Netanyahu’s message to America was clear: Stand with Israel, not only as an ally but as a partner in the global fight against terrorism. The applause from Capitol Hill suggests that many in Washington are still listening—and that the bond between the United States and Israel remains strong.
With growing support from conservative Americans and renewed alignment with Trump-era policies, Netanyahu appears determined to finish what he started. Whether the rest of the world chooses to follow remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Israel will not retreat until Hamas is no longer a threat to its people or its future.
Keywords:
Netanyahu, Gaza War, Capitol Hill, Hamas, Israel Defense, Donald Trump, Hostage Crisis, Conservative Christian, Middle East Security, U.S.-Israel Alliance