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Netanyahu: ‘This is a battle of civilization against barbarism’

Visiting U.S. lawmakers present the PM with a declaration in support of Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with a U.S. congressional delegation at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Nov. 12, 2023. Photo by Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with a U.S. congressional delegation at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Nov. 12, 2023. Photo by Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday hosted a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation led by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

The delegation presented Netanyahu with a declaration in support of Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“This is an expression of the will, the resolve and the moral clarity of the American people as represented by its representatives. So we thank you deeply,” the premier responded.

“The American people, through the Senate and the Congress, and in broad swaths of the American public, understand that this is a battle of civilization against barbarism,” said Netanyahu.

“Israel stands at that front line, but it’s fighting not only for itself but fighting also for America, for the free world and for the hope of progress against these barbarians,” he said.

In addition to McCaul, the congressional delegation included U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND.), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Rep. John James (R-Mich.), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) and Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio).

The meeting in Tel Aviv was also attended by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew, who took up his post in Jerusalem on Nov. 5.

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