Netanyahu Claims Fact-Checked

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress, seeking support for the war on Gaza, denouncing protesters, and vowing "total victory." Dozens of Democrats boycotted. Netanyahu claimed: "[I]f there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren’t getting enough food, it's [...] because Hamas is stealing it." He also criticized college protests, and accused university presidents of justifying calls for "the genocide of Jews."

PolitiFact checked Netanyahu's claims:

1. On college campus protests and antisemitism: In a Dec 5 hearing, Rep. Elise Stefanik pressed university presidents on disciplining students calling for Jewish genocide. The presidents responded that disciplinary action depends on context, sparking outrage and resignations. Stefanik's narrative echoed historic attempts to delegitimize protests as instigated by "outside agitators." Historians note protests typically attract diverse participants, including some with ulterior motives, but genuine protesters usually vastly outnumber outsiders.

2. On Iran's role in US protests: On July 9, US Intelligence Director Avril Haines stated Iranian government actors were exploiting protests, falling short of claiming Iran "funded" them. She noted Iranian actors posed as activists and provided financial support to select protesters, urging Americans to remain vigilant about online engagement.

3. On humanitarian aid to Gaza and Hamas: A May US State Department report found instances where Israel delayed or negatively impacted aid delivery. Israel recently improved access, but the UN and aid groups face difficulties. In February, a special Middle East envoy noted a lack of evidence of Hamas diverting UN aid and criticized Israeli attacks on aid convoys. Israeli strikes have killed foreign aid workers. In July, an interview revealed Israel agreed to improve aid workers' security.