Whether one is a Democrat, Republican or independent or a liberal or conservative, it’s hard not to find Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech compelling, as did about 90 percent of Congress, who gave multiple ovations. Readers should listen on the internet.

Netanyahu explained movingly why Israel, at great pain to itself, must fight in Gaza until Hamas is defeated militarily and no longer rules Gaza or poses a terrorist threat to repeat its Oct. 7 murder and brutality. Hamas, a surrogate for Iran, also oppresses its own population, whom it uses as human shields and even murders when escaping so that the casualty figures will be higher for propaganda purposes. While not mentioned, Hamas’ charter states its goal of destroying Israel and killing Jews. Hamas’ actions over the years, including its continual indiscriminate rocketing of Israel, are consistent with this.

As enticing as a “ceasefire” is to us, the Middle East is not the western world. There was a ceasefire on Oct. 7 but was ignored. It will be ignored again when opportune for Hamas. Israel has a responsibility to its civilian population and to America, which is also targeted by Iran, to permanently shut the door on Hamas. There is no safe and responsible alternative.

Mark I. Fishman, Esq.

New Haven

Editor’s note: The writer is president of PRIMER-Connecticut (Promoting Responsibility in Middle East Reporting).