Netanyahu claims pro-Palestinian protesters are 'idiots' who stand with 'rapists': Three arrested as Israeli PM addresses deeply divided Congress

Protestors have been apprehended by authorities after interrupting Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress. 

The activists revealed bright yellow t-shirts emblazoned with 'SEAL THE DEAL NOW' that had previously been hidden behind zipped jackets and buttoned-up dress shirts.

The protests were quiet, however, not halting the Israeli prime minister's speech. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson sent out a warning earlier this week instructing against outbursts during the address, saying those who do will be quickly apprehended and 'subject to arrest.' 

Immediately after the outburst, Capitol Police moved in to swiftly arrest the protestors and escorted them out of the chamber. 

Netanyahu had been speaking about the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship during his speech, highlighting how the two's close ties have been instrumental in the Jewish nation's fight against Palestinian terror group Hamas.

'America and Israel must stand together,' Netanyahu proclaimed, receiving a standing ovation in response.

'When we stand together, something very simple happens, we win and they lose.'

The leader has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is eradicated following the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel by the terrorist who raped women, killed and beheaded children and took hundreds of Israelis hostage, including several Americans. 

'They butchered 1,200 people from 41 countries, including 39 Americans,' he said.

'That's like 20 9/11s in one day,' he continued, referencing the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.

He also condemned protestors for supporting 'baby murderers,' adding 'they should be ashamed of themselves.'

The Israeli leader called pro-Gaza protestors 'useful idiots' who are being manipulated by leaders in Iran. 

'Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming 'Gays for Gaza'. They might as well hold up signs saying 'Chickens for KFC,' he said receiving chuckles from the crowd.  

One very outspoken pro-Gaza Squad member, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., surprisingly attended the address. 

Dawning a keffiyeh, she sat expressionless while listening to Netanyahu speak. 

In an act of defiance she occasionally held up a sign pointed at the Israeli prime minister that read 'GUILTY OF GENOCIDE.'  

'Get us the tools faster and we will finish the job faster,' Netanayhu proclaimed, apparently referencing recent pause in aid to Israel prompted by the Biden administration. 

'The day after we defeat Hamas a new Gaza will emerge,' he said pointing to the future.

'Israel does not seek to resettle Gaza,' he reassured the lawmakers. 

He said he seeks to de-radicalize  and de-militarize the strip and rebuild it so that Palestinians do not grow up to 'hate' Jews. 

The prime minister also thanked former President Donald Trump for brokering the Abraham Accords - a peace deal between Israel and Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates. 

Netanyahu also expressed gratitude that Trump survived a recent assassination attempt before condemning political violence.  

Close to 100 Democrats are thought to have skipped Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's Capitol speech due to tensions over the ongoing war with the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

Most notable absences include Vice President Kamala Harris, who would have presided over the Senate, but is claiming a scheduling conflict, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the second most powerful Democratic Senator Dick Durbin D-Ill.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is also planning to boycott the speech, calling the prime minister a 'war criminal' amid the bloody conflict that has seen loss of life in Gaza.

Her fellow New York Democrat, Rep, Jamaal Bowman, who recently lost his bid for reelection, went as far to say Netanyahu should be arrested. 

'Netanyahu should be arrested—not honored in Congress,' he wrote on X. 'Like many of you, I am disgusted.'

Many Democrats in the chamber remained seated as Netanyahu spoke of rescuing hostages still held by Hamas, which include a number of Americans. 

Mark Pocan, D-Wis., who is also skipping the event, wrote Wednesday he would happily deliver charges to Netanyahu himself. 

'I only regret that an arrest warrant for his war crimes has not yet been issued by the ICC, as I would have gladly served it to him on the House floor,' he posted.

Police have estimated that up to 10,000 protestors will be descending upon Capitol Hill today to call for an end to the 'genocide' in Gaza and demand a ceasefire.

Due to security concerns and a waning number of U.S. Capitol Police officers, over 200 New York City Police Department officers were deployed down to Washington, D.C.

A group of Republican senators slammed the VP at a press conference Wednesday afternoon for missing the joint address, claiming her outstanding obligation alibi is inappropriate. 

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called her absence 'disgraceful' and that  'she ought to be embarrassed.'

'She doesn’t have many jobs as VP,' Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said at the meeting, saying its 'a shame' that Harris decided not to attend. 

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., was more on the nose, calling her nonattendance 'a slap in the face.'

A Pelosi spokesperson said Wednesday that she would be joining a 'Members meeting with Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings.'

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., informed lawmakers that there would be 'an increased police presence around the Capitol complex and in the House Chamber.'

He went on to warn that he will enforcing a 'zero-tolerance policy for disturbances in the building.' 

'If any disturbance does occur, the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police will remove the offending visitor(s) from the gallery and subject them to arrest,' Johnson said in a letter this week. 

Netanyahu said that his speech will aim to 'anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel.' 

On Tuesday, over 200 pro-Gaza protestors were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building. 

There are plans for thousands more to march along the National Mall to the Capitol today before Netanyahu's 2 p.m. ET address. 

Already there are stages and audio equipment set up for pro-Gaza speeches and demonstrations hours before his speech.

Dozens of premade signs denouncing Netanyahu and Israel meant to be picked up by attendees were stationed at the main protest area.

As the crowd began to grow before the prime minister's speech rally attendees blocks from the Capitol began chanting 'from the river to the sea' and 'there is only one solution, intifada revolution,' two common anti-Israel refrains. 

Videos on social media even show protestors stationed outside of the local hotel were Netanyahu is staying, meaning the demonstrations against him as have been nearly constant all of Wednesday. 

The prime minister is expected to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris separately on Thursday. 

He will also be traveling down to Mar-a-Lago to have a sit down with former President Donald Trump on Friday, the GOP nominee for president.