US State Dept. refrains from commenting on Netanyahu’s remarks
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The remarks were in response to a reporter's question regarding the appropriateness of Netanyahu addressing Congress and labeling protesters as "useful idiots."
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Members of law enforcement monitor as Hasidic Jews and others protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's polices, near the US Capitol during a scheduled visit by Netanyahu, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Thursday that the State Department would not comment on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks during his address to Congress, where he referred to American protesters as "Iran's useful idiots."
"I am not going to make assessments about what the Prime Minister [Netanyahu] said or what he believes," Miller said during a press briefing.
The remarks were in response to a reporter's question regarding the appropriateness of Netanyahu addressing Congress and labeling protesters as "useful idiots."
Read more: Over 20,000 US bombs, missiles sent to 'Israel' since October: NYT
On Monday, Netanyahu arrived in Washington for a series of meetings, including one with Biden on Thursday and another with his Republican opponent Donald Trump on Friday. He also addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night.
Netanyahu's arrival in Washington was marked by massive pro-Palestinian and anti-war protests near Capitol Hill, drawing several thousand participants.
Police reportedly used pepper spray on pro-Palestinian protesters while Netanyahu spoke to Congress.
The protesters were demanding the arrest of Netanyahu for committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Among their other demands is an end to the genocidal war in Gaza and a halt to all arms supplies to “Israel”, according to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in the US.
Disgrace a mild way to describe US reception of Netanyahu
Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated earlier today that the visit of the "criminal Israeli prime minister" to his supporters in Washington, after nine months of genocide in Gaza, has exposed the false image of Western civilization and revealed the harsh and divisive nature of US policies.
In a post on his X account, Kanaani said Palestinian children were getting slain at the hands of the "Tel Aviv butcher" every day.
He further added that the ordinary rights of Palestinians, such as the rights to life, security, food, water, medicine, and treatment are being violated in Gaza and before everyone's eyes, while Congress and the US administration receive Netanyahu "the executioner" with applause.
These pictures speak volumes: While "Israel" bombed children, hospitals, women, schools, and shelters, it received overwhelming applause from the US #Congress. pic.twitter.com/J3S4423r1y
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 25, 2024
Read more: Guterres calls war on Gaza 'highest level of killing' he saw as UNSG
