Netanyahu seeks support for war in Gaza with speech to Congress

Watch a small portion of his speech in the video above.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to bolster U.S. support for his country's fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed militants in a speech before Congress on Wednesday even as many Democratic lawmakers boycotted his appearance and protesters amassed around the Capitol to condemn the brutal war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it has created.

Netanyahu also wanted to project the image of a respected statesman for an increasingly critical audience back in Israel, but that task is complicated by Americans’ divided views on Israel and the war, which has emerged as a key issue in the U.S. presidential election.

Tall steel barriers ringed entrances to the Capitol complex Wednesday, and security officers were deployed on foot, bicycle and with dogs. Overnight, hundreds of anti-war protesters organized by a Jewish group staged a sit-in at a congressional office building, crying, “Not in our name.”

Inside the Capitol, Netanyahu received a warm welcome from Republican lawmakers who arranged his speech in the House chamber, an appearance making him the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

Some leadin...