Live updates: Netanyahu's speech to the American Congress

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is speaking now (Wednesday) before the American Congress, as part of a special session attended by members of both houses – the Senate and the House of Representatives. In his remarks, Netanyahu is expected to address the Gaza war, the efforts to free hostages, and the Iranian challenge facing the region and the United States – presenting a new approach to dealing with Tehran.

"I want to thank you for the great honour of speaking before this fortress of democracy for the fourth time. Today, we meet at a historic crossroads. In the Middle East, Iran is clashing with Israel and threatening its allies. This isn't a clash of civilizations but a clash between barbarism and civilization. Between those who sanctify death and those who sanctify life. For civilization to prevail, the United States and Israel must stand together – because then something very simple happens: we win and they lose."

"Like on December 7, 1941, and September 11, 2001, October 7 will always be remembered as a tragic day. It started as a joyous day, a celebration of Simchat Torah – and suddenly at 6:29, paradise turned into hell. Thousands of Hamas terrorists stormed Israel, massacred hundreds of Israelis and Americans. Relatively speaking, it's 20 times the number of casualties on 9/11. These monsters raped women, killed families, and dragged 250 people, living and dead, into Gaza. Israel has already brought home 120 of them, including 7 released in bold operations."

Watch Netanyahu's speech live on both c-span and youtube.