To the editor: Someone needs to explain to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who criticized those demonstrating against the war in the Gaza Strip, that the protests in this country are part of our democratic process. He can call these protesters whatever he wants, but they have more rights in the streets than he does behind the podium, addressing Congress.
And what about those thousands of Israelis protesting against his policies in the country? Are they also “Iran’s useful idiots”?
The fact that Netanyahu is exploiting the Israeli hostage situation for his political gain does not seem to convince many of his countrymen to ignore his ultimate goal, which is to remain in power and avoid prosecution or even jail.
Homer Alba, Glendale
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To the editor: Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision not to sit behind Netanyahu in her role as Senate president was absurd and, to quote her, factually wrong. The image was clear: a message that will deeply offend tens of millions of moderate voters.
If Hamas is not completely destroyed, as was the case with Nazi Germany, it will return and there will be another, even deadlier war. Many Palestinians will see Hamas as their heroic champion, making peace between Israel and the Palestinians less likely.
Hezbollah, with some 150,000 rockets pointed at Israel, will see the latter bow to global pressure, making a regional war more likely.
Moreover, the Sunni Arab world will be less likely to view Israel as a strong partner against our common existential threat: a soon-to-be nuclear-armed Iran, growing instability in the Middle East, and the risk of war between the United States and Iran.
Hal Bookbinder, Oak Park
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To the editor: Could someone please remind Netanyahu that those protesters he described as “useful idiots” are the same people whose tax dollars have provided Israel with tens of billions of dollars in aid over the decades?
He often demands more from this helper than he pretends to be grateful for.
Ted Rosenblatt, Pacific Palisades
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To the editor: An accused war criminal was invited to address a joint session of Congress.
A convicted felon on trial for sex offending has a serious chance of becoming our next president.
One of our two main political parties has all but adopted the 900-page manifesto of Project 2025 “Mandate of Leadership” to replace democracy with authoritarianism.
What have we become? We need to wake up.
Philip Moynihan, The Flintridge Canyon
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To the editor: Supporters of Israel should shout louder against Netanyahu and the past nine months of destruction and death in Gaza.
We Americans need to realize that our dollars are making this madness possible. Is this really the legacy we want to leave behind?
George Albert, Pico Rivera
