Netanyahu to Anti-Israel Protesters: 'You Have Officially Become Iran's Useful Idiots'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon included scathing remarks to people participating in anti-Israel protests.

"I have a message for these protesters: When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots," he said to a roar of applause.

As Israel's 10-month conflict with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza continues, pro-Palestine protests and encampments have emerged on college and university campuses across the country. Faculty and students have been arrested for participating in the gatherings, and some institutions have canceled graduation ceremonies in response.

Many activists and students have called for a cease-fire in Gaza, which has been heavily bombed by Israel in response to the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 people. With an estimated 39,000 people killed in Gaza since the conflict began, protesters argue there is a dire need for an immediate halt to the violence.

In his comments Wednesday, Netanyahu denounced these demonstrations, saying that Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America.

"Clarity begins by knowing the difference between good and evil," he said. "Yet incredibly, many anti-Israel protesters, many choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas. They stand with rapists and murderers."

He also praised fraternity brothers at the University of North Carolina, who protected the American flag during a protest on the Chapel Hill campus in May.

Notably absent from Netanyahu's address were Vice President Kamala Harris, who is campaigning in Indiana, and Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, also claimed that Congress was filled with non-members for Netanyahu's speech due to the large amount of Democrats who refused to attend.

President Joe Biden intends to meet with the prime minister later this week.