US Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the actions of pro-Palestinian protesters who burned the American flag on Wednesday.

Washington: US Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday criticized the burning of the US flag by pro-Palestinian protesters as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US Congress. “Yesterday, at Union Station in Washington, DC, we witnessed despicable acts and dangerous hate speech from patriotic protesters,” she said, condemning individuals associated with the terrorist organization Hamas.

“I condemn anyone associated with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to destroy the State of Israel and kill Jews. “Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we should not tolerate it in our country,” said US Vice President Kamala Harris. Sharing a photo of her statement, she wrote, “Read my full statement about yesterday's protests in Washington, DC.”

Read my full statement about yesterday's protests in Washington, DC. pic.twitter.com/zJpZvdQDt9

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) 25 July 2024

“I support the right to protest peacefully, but let's be clear: anti-Semitism, hatred and violence of any kind have no place in our country,” she said.

That flag symbolizes our highest ideals as a nation: US Vice President Kamala Harris Netanyahu's address to Congress condemns US flag burning

Underscoring that the flag symbolizes America's highest ideals as a nation, Harris said it embodies America's promise. “I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag symbolizes our highest ideals as a nation and represents America's promise. It should never be defiled like this,” she added.

During his speech on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called on American leaders to offer bilateral support to his country amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Some groups of protesters attempted to block Netanyahu's possible route to the Capitol, with one group handcuffing an effigy of the prime minister and another burning an American flag.

Our Enemies Your Enemies: Netanyahu to Congress

In an address to Congress, Netanyahu criticized Iran for funding and encouraging anti-Israel protests in the US, calling Iran “Iran's useful idiots”. He emphasized, “Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight and our victory will be your victory,” underscoring Israel's strategic role in countering Iran.