Echoes of the Mystifying Applause: Just WHY?

My previous article on this theatrical comedy:

The latest address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States Congress has ignited intense scrutiny and debate, illuminating the intricate dynamics of US-Israel relations while a brutal genocide is conducted against the civilians of Gaza. Set against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions, Netanyahu's speech not only underscored Israel's strategic importance but also cast a spotlight on the complex interplay of domestic politics, international alliances, and public sentiment. All true human voices in the world must delve into the nuanced reception of Netanyahu's address, examining the orchestrated waves of applause, underlying political calculations, and the broader implications for US foreign policy in the Middle East.

A Historic Moment Amidst Controversy

Last Wednesday, Congress witnessed a historic scene as it hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu, the first foreign dignitary to address US lawmakers for the fourth time. The event was notable not only for its political content but also for its form, particularly the effusive applause that punctuated Netanyahu's remarks. This enthusiastic reception occurred despite the conspicuous absence of Vice President Kamala Harris and a sizable number of Democratic representatives and against the sobering backdrop of the ongoing massacre in Palestine, which has claimed over 39,000 innocent lives.

Netanyahu's address was a masterclass in colonial political rhetoric, carefully crafted to resonate with American sensibilities. He deftly positioned Israel as America's vanguard, confronting shared adversaries, and standing as a bulwark against the Islamic population in Mother Earth. This framing served a dual purpose: reinforcing Israel's indispensability to US interests while simultaneously making a case for continued, unfettered American support to butcher the remaining Gazans.

The Choreography of Support

The congressional response to Netanyahu's speech was nothing short of theatrical, resembling the Roman empire slaughter arenas, with approximately 80 rounds of thunderous applause erupting at a rate of once every 40 seconds. This enthusiastic display prompted Muslims around the world to question whether it reflected genuine sentiment or calculated political theater.

Critics argued that the repeated standing ovations depicted Congress members more as Netanyahu's ardent supporters than as discerning architects of US policy. Conversely, Zionist, and conservative media interpreted the applause as a multifaceted message: a rebuke to the Biden administration's attempts to condition aid, a show of solidarity in the face of international criticism, and a reaffirmation of unwavering support for Israel.

The Invisible AIPAC Hand of Influence

The Israeli lobby's, especially AIPAC's, influence on American politics cannot be overstated, extending its reach into both constitutional and non-constitutional institutions. This pervasive influence creates a political environment where lawmakers feel compelled to demonstrate unequivocal support for Israel, often to the point of one-upmanship. We must posit that the applause was far from spontaneous, suggesting instead that it was a carefully orchestrated performance. Each legislator's response to Netanyahu's speech—whether through enthusiastic applause, muted acknowledgment, or conspicuous absence—carries significant political weight, influencing their standing with the powerful Israeli lobby and, by extension, their political futures.

The Partisan Prism

The stark contrast between Republican and Democratic responses to Netanyahu's address reveals deep-seated ideological divisions within American politics. Republicans led the applause, demonstrating their strong alignment with Netanyahu's policies and Israel's current trajectory. In contrast, the absence of key Democratic figures, including Vice President Harris, who met Netanyahu the next day, reflected growing unease within the party regarding Israel's actions in Gaza and the mounting civilian toll. This divides through both electoral and ideological lenses. He suggests that Republicans' enthusiastic support aligns with their base's preferences, while Democrats' more measured response reflects their need to balance support for Israel with the concerns of Arab and Muslim constituents, who form an increasingly important part of their electoral coalition. This disparity underscores the unique position Israel occupies in American foreign policy and public consciousness. Noun attributes this to the overarching strategic importance of Israel to US interests.

Implications and Future Trajectories

The congressional reception of Netanyahu's speech sends a clear message to the Islamic world: despite growing criticism and calls for a more balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel will always remain a top priority in US foreign policy. The enthusiastic support demonstrated by lawmakers, particularly Republicans, indicates that any significant shift in US policy towards Tel Aviv is unlikely in the near term.

However, the event also highlighted growing fissures within the Democratic Party and among the broader American public regarding unconditional support for Israel. These divisions may presage future challenges in maintaining the current level of US-Israel alignment, particularly as younger generations of Americans and politicians call for a more nuanced approach to Middle East policy adopting true human values.

Finally, Netanyahu's address to Congress and its reception offers a compelling lens through which to view the complex tapestry of US-Israel relations, American domestic politics, and broader geopolitical dynamics. The orchestrated applause, partisan divides, and underlying political calculations all point to a relationship that, while still strong, must be increasingly subject to scrutiny and debate.

Finally: Just WHY?

From Beirut, Prof. Habib Al Badawi