Summary
Five people have been arrested and police used pepper spray on protesters on the streets of Washington DC
Large numbers of people gathered to protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke to US lawmakers today
Netanyahu blasted the demonstrators, calling them "Iran's useful idiots"
Speaking to the US Congress, he said America and Israel "must stand together" and that "our enemies are your enemies"
He recalled the Hamas attacks of 7 October - when 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage - calling it a day that "will live in infamy"
Some Democratic Party lawmakers have made clear their opposition to Netanyahu's address and did not attend the session
The PM's speech comes nine months into Israel's campaign in Gaza. More than 39,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas run health ministry
Live Reporting
Edited by Laura Blasey and Nathan Williams
Protestors brought 'day of rage' to Washingtonpublished at 22:48 24 July
22:48 24 July
Brandon Drenon
Reporting from Washington
Pro-Palestinian protesters had warned of "a day of rage"during Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit.
And they delivered.
At its peak, thousands had amassed in the streets of WashingtonDC. They blew whistles and banged drums, waved flags and yelled chants.
Then, after Netanyahu finished his address to Congress, theymarched. On their way to Union Station, they pushed up against police lines,were pepper sprayed and arrested, but still pressed on - even as their comradeslay in agony, and in handcuffs, on the side of the road.
At Union Station, a historic building in Washington DC next tothe US Capitol, they hung Palestinian flags from towering poles and set anAmerican flag on fire. Graffiti on a statue nearby read: "We are the redline."
Roundup: Congress claps Netanyahu as protests rage outsidepublished at 22:45 24 July
22:45 24 July
We'll be closing the page soon,but here are a few of the key lines from Benjamin Netanyahu's US visit so far:
- Netanyahu received frequent applause as he addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress, with lawmakers cheering and standing to clap on several occasions
- Outside protesters clashed with police as they fiercely demonstrated against the Israeli PM's visit
- Netanyahu used his speech to thank the US for its support, but urged it to speed up military aid to Israel, saying this could "dramatically expedite" an end to the Gaza conflict
- He condemned pro-Palestine protesters, including those who have demonstrated recently on US college campuses, saying they "choose to stand with evil"
- He also condemned the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, saying there is "no room for political violence" in democracies
- Several Democratic politicians, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, boycotted Netanyahu's speech, with Pelosi condemning it as "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary" invited to address Congress
Netanyahu will stay in the US for the rest of the week. He is due to meet President Joe Biden at the White House tomorrow, and Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday.
We'll be covering the visit on the BBC website, where you'll find all the key updates as they happen.
You can also continue to read more in our main news article about Netanyahu's speech here.
This page was brought to you by BrandonLivesay, Sean Seddon, Ian Aikman, Brandon Drenon, Emily Atkinson, BerndDebusmann, Max Matza, Laura Blasey and Nathan Williams
'Disgraceful day' for the US, says Palestinian officialpublished at 22:26 24 July
22:26 24 July
The head of the Palestinian Mission tothe UK has said today was a "disgraceful day" for the US’s role inworld peace and global security.
Speaking to BBC News in London, HusamZomlot said Benjamin Netanyahu would "do anything to maintain hispower", including continuing what Zomlot calls "genocide" inGaza.
He said the US Congress is the "oneaudience" that will listen to Netanyahu, as he has become"isolated" around the world and faces corruption charges at home.
Zomlot said it is "veryunfortunate" that US lawmakers applauded Netanyahu "while he is stillbombing Rafah and Khan Younis".
He called the Israeli PM a"pathological liar" and said he was "not serious" aboutsecuring a ceasefire deal to release hostages.
Zomlot added that Netanyahu came to theUS for "one thing" - to persuade the US to speed up military aid toIsrael so it can continue to attack Gaza.
Israel has strongly rejected accusations that itsmilitary operation in Gaza amounts to genocide, saying that it is targetingHamas.
Netanyahu treads fine line in appeal for US supportpublished at 22:20 24 July
22:20 24 July
Nomia Iqbal
North America correspondentOver the course of more than an hour Netanyahu sought to deflectcriticism of Israel and framed the war in Gaza as his country’s battle tosurvive.
The speech was an effort to maintain US support.
President Biden wasn't in the chamber. Their relationship hasbeen tense but Netanyahu thanked him for his help.
Biden has faced a split in his Democratic party – dozens oflawmakers had boycotted the speech because they were angry about the number ofPalestinians killed in Gaza.
They've also accused Netanyahu of using the US as a prop tooffset his unpopularity back home in Israel.
Netanyahu did not mention anything about the process of a twostate solution, something Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris - who islikely to replace him as the Democrats' presidential nominee - both want.
Perhaps conscious that Donald Trump could return to the WhiteHouse, Netanyahu also thanked Trump for moving the American embassy toJerusalem. The two men will meet in Florida later this week.
Top Democrat Pelosi condemns 'worst' speechpublished at 22:08 24 July
22:08 24 July
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has slammed Netanyahu's speech, calling it "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honoured with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States".
The California congresswoman holds enormous influence over the Democratic Party, and had skipped the speech earlier today in boycott of the timing of the visit.
"Many of us who love Israel spent time today listening to Israeli citizens whose families have suffered in the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attack and kidnappings," she posted on X after the speech ended.
"These families are asking for a ceasefire deal that will bring the hostages home – and we hope the prime minister would spend his time achieving that goal."
As our correspondent in Jerusalem Paul Adams noted earlier, Netanyahu's speech made barely a passing mention to negotiations that are ongoing to free the hostages in Gaza in exchange for a ceasefire.
Watch: Police clash with protesters in Washingtonpublished at 22:00 24 July
22:00 24 July
White House 'optimistic' about Gaza peace dealpublished at 21:53 24 July
21:53 24 July
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White HouseUS President Joe Biden remains "optimistic" about apeace deal in Gaza despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to"finish the job" in his speech today, according to Press SecretaryKarine Jean-Pierre.
Speaking at the White House briefing a few moments ago,Jean-Pierre said that the administration "appreciates" Netanyahuthanking Biden for "unwavering support" for Israel, and that he"looks forward to meeting him" tomorrow.
When asked about Netanyahu's speech - in which he said Israel believes"victory is in sight" - Jean-Pierre said that the president is "optimistic"about the prospects of a peace deal in his remaining months in office.
"This is a president that believes anything couldhappen," she said. "The work continues."
Lack of negotiation update dismays hostage familiespublished at 21:42 24 July
21:42 24 July
Paul Adams
Diplomatic correspondent, reporting from JerusalemBenjamin Netanyahu referred frequently to the fate of Israelihostages being held in Gaza. But in his long, strident speech, he gave no clueas to whether a deal to secure their release was on the cards.
"As we speak," he said, "we’re actively engagedin intensive efforts to secure their release".
That was as close as he got.
His failure to give hope to the families and friends of themissing did not go unnoticed.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the speech "a sham"adding that Netanyahu "spoke for an hour without saying: 'There will be ahostage deal.'"
As if to drive home the desperate plight of the hostages, astatement from Kibbutz Nir Oz – which saw about a quarter of its residentskilled, injured or abducted on 7 October last year – said that the body of56-year-old Maya Goren had been recovered from Gaza by the Israeli army.
Hamas announced her death in December, but the news served toremind Israelis that as the months drag on, the number of Israelis who mayeventually make it out alive is slowly dwindling.
For those who blame Netanyahu for not doing enough to securetheir release, his failure to offer any crumbs of hope in Washington will haverepresented yet another in a long line of crushing blows.
In pictures: Protesters clash with policepublished at 21:31 24 July
21:31 24 July
Image source, EPAImage source, ReutersImage source, EPImage source, ReutersImage source, ReutersPolice pull protest permitpublished at 21:22 24 July
21:22 24 July
Image source, Getty ImagesUS Park Police have revoked the protest permit for the event taking place in Columbus Circle, in Washington DC.
"Please leave the area at this time," Police said on X.
It came after the police social media account wrote that the crowd is "engaged in criminal activity and confronting law enforcement on scene" and that police are "attempting to deescalate and contact the event organizer for help".
Columbus Circle is just outside Union Station, the main train station for Washington DC which is located only a few blocks from Capitol Hill.
We're been seeing hectic scenes there, including protesters burning American and Israeli flags, and lighting fireworks.
Return to the latest post
Protesters placed in handcuffspublished at 21:14 24 July
21:14 24 July
Brandon Drenon
Reporting from Washington DCPolice have three men in handcuff here outside Union Station in Washington DC.
The crowd is encircling them, yelling “let them go”.
This comes after an American flag was burned and statues outside of Union Station were defaced.
Police have confirmed five people have been arrested so far.
US flag set on fire in Washington DC as protests continuepublished at 21:05 24 July
21:05 24 July
Israeli president congratulates Netanyahupublished at 20:57 24 July
20:57 24 July
Israel President Isaac Herzog has posted on X to praise the "important speech" given by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the US.
"The immediate and urgent return of the hostages must be at the heart of the world agenda," he says, going on to accuse Iran of being at the helm of an "evil and terrorist empire".
"We must stand together against the Tehran-led-terror that threatens the Middle East and the entire world," wrote Herzog.
Watergate hotel confirms maggot incidentpublished at 20:49 24 July
20:49 24 July
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White HouseA video being widely shared on social media appears to show maggots released at the Watergate hotel in Washington DC, purportedly on a table that had been used by Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu.
US and Israeli flags are clearly visible in the video, which shows maggots crawling on a large table as well as on a dark marble floor.
In a statement sent to the BBC, the famed hotel says it is "aware" of the "unfortunate incident that occurred at the property".
"Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and staff," the statement adds. "We took the necessary steps to ensure the property has been sanitized and is now operating as normal."
While the Watergate said it is cooperating with authorities, it is unable to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation into the incident.
White House addresses Netanyahu protests, Harris meetingpublished at 20:45 24 July
20:45 24 July
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White HouseAfter a multi-hour delay, today's White House briefing has begun - and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre immediately faced questions on the protests across town in Washington.
While Jean-Pierre said that the White House - and President Biden - "respect the right of all Americans to peacefully protest", it condemns any form of violent protest or destruction of property.
"We understand that this is a painful moment for many, many communities," she said of the protests that have accompanied Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington.
She refused, however, to comment on any increased security posture at the White House ahead of Netanyahu's visit tomorrow, referring any related questions to the Secret Service.
Jean-Pierre also addressed the fact that Vice-President Kamala Harris was not on Capitol Hill.
"She's been a critical partner in ensuring Israel can defend itself, and in ensuring a hostage deal," she said.
Harris is also expected to meet Netanyahu tomorrow.
Protests in Washington DC escalatepublished at 20:42 24 July
20:42 24 July
Brandon Drenon
Reporting from Washington DCImage source, EPAHere outside Union Station in Washington the protests are ramping up.
I've seen police shoving people, and I watched a man set a US flag on fire.
A US flag that flies outside the train station here has been replaced with a Palestinian flag.
Family of hostages gather to condemn speechpublished at 20:34 24 July
20:34 24 July
Barbara Plett Usher
BBC News, Tel AvivImage source, Getty ImagesSpeeches from the families of hostages in central Tel Aviv finished before the end of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech in the US.
After listening to the national anthem, the crowd dispersed as Netanyahu continued his address on screen. The audio was muted, but his English speech was shown with subtitles in Hebrew translation.
Ayelet Levy Shachar, whose daughter Naama was captured from an Israeli observation post near Gaza, said she was feeling frustrated.
“I did not hear a very clear call for sealing the deal,” she said.
An agreement “has to be mobilised. This speech has no purpose other than to do that, so if everything he’s saying is in order to help bring a solution and negotiations for an agreement and a deal, then fine but I haven’t heard that yet".
She adds: "Action should be taken.”
Image source, ReutersNetanyahu tries to link Israel's fight with US's own interestspublished at 20:25 24 July
20:25 24 July
Hugo Bachega
Middle East correspondent, in BeirutBenjaminNetanyahu’s speech started with a mention of what he described as Iran’s “Axisof Terror” which, he said, threatened the US, Israel and the Arab world,framing it as a “clash of barbarism against civilisations”.
“We will win,” headded, to raucous applause from the chamber.
It was a playwith what Iran describes as “Axis of Resistance”, an alliance across the MiddleEast that includes not only Hamas but also Hezbollah here in Lebanon and theHouthis in Yemen. These groups have been behind multiple attacks against Israelsince October, saying their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians inGaza.
Netanyahureturned to Iran later in his speech, repeating some familiar lines, saying thecountry was “virtually behind all terrorism, turmoil, chaos and killing” in theMiddle East.
He then tried to link Israel’s fight with America’s own interests:when Israel acted against Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, he added, it wasfighting Iran and “not only protecting ourselves [but] protecting you,” referringto the US.
Since theHamas attacks, there have been fears of a regional conflict, in particularbecause of tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border. Near-daily attacks byHezbollah, the powerful militia and political party, and Israel’scounter-attacks, have displaced tens of thousands of residents and killedpeople in both countries.
Israeliauthorities have faced pressure to act against the heavily armed Hezbollah,which has an arsenal that includes precision-guided missiles capable ofstriking deep inside Israel. Netanyahu, again, said he preferred a diplomaticsolution to the crisis but that Israel would do “what it must” to restoresafety along the border and return people to their homes.
In crisis-hitLebanon, many fear Hezbollah may be dragging the country to another war. HassanNasrallah, the group’s long-time leader, has repeatedly said Hezbollah does notwant an all-out war with Israel, but that it is ready for one. And so, concernspersist that the fighting could become, deliberately or by accident, a widerconflict.
Protests intensify in Washington DCpublished at 20:21 24 July
20:21 24 July
Brandon Drenon
Reporting from Washington DCThe crowd of protesters near Capitol Hill has shrank in size but grown in fury.
Just a fraction of those that were once gathered remain, but, here on the front steps of Union Station, the chants, cheers and banging of drums have intensified.
This is the crowd that has endured, even after several people appeared to have been pepper sprayed by police.
Someone told me police arrested a few who took down the US flag that was hanging out front.
Netanyahu ends speech with appeal to USpublished at 20:13 24 July
20:13 24 July
Netanyahu's speech finished moments ago, and it ended with an appeal to US lawmakers.
He said Israel will always remain "America's indispensable ally" and "loyal friend".
“We help keep America’s boots off the ground while protecting our shared interests in the Middle East,” he said.
He thanked the US for its support for Israel.
"Together we will secure a brilliant future for both our nations," he told the joint meeting of Congress.
That got a standing ovation for lawmakers.
He finished his speech by saying: "May God bless Israel, may God bless America, and may God bless the great alliance between Israel and America forever."
