Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress amidst a tumultuous political climate in Washington. His 56-minute speech, interrupted by 50 rounds of applause, was met with enthusiasm from Republicans and silence from attending Democrats.

Netanyahu's address offered no concrete plans for ending the war in Gaza or rescuing the remaining hostages. He vaguely mentioned a "civilian administration run by Palestinians" after achieving "total victory" and a "demilitarized and deradicalized" Gaza, but provided no roadmap to these goals.

The speech occurred against the backdrop of significant U.S. political events, including rumors of President Biden's cognitive decline and an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Outside the Capitol, protests against Netanyahu's visit turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and police.

Netanyahu's speech delved into American cultural issues, criticizing "woke culture" and pro-Palestinian protesters, aligning himself with Republican talking points. He referred to protesters as "Iran's useful idiots" and made controversial comparisons, eliciting chants of "USA!" from his supporters in the chamber.

The address failed to address the ongoing negotiations with Hamas or respond to the Biden administration's claim of an agreed "framework" for resolution. A senior administration official later admitted that "serious implementation issues" remain unresolved.

Overall, Netanyahu's speech, while impassioned, offered little in terms of concrete solutions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza or plans for the safe return of hostages.