Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address to Congress on Wednesday that said almost nothing about a diplomatic settlement of the war, instead doubling down on his dream of “total victory” over Hamas and “nothing less”—a goal that many of his own generals see as infeasible.

In other words, he was saying: Forget about any cease-fire that doesn’t entail the destruction of Hamas as a military and political power.

To that end, while thanking the United States for sending Israel weapons over the years, he urged the administration and Congress—which have been in the throes of debate over whether to cut off military aid—to “send us the tools faster so we can finish the job faster.”

He also turned the speech into the partisan spectacle that many had feared. Toward the beginning of the hourlong address, he thanked President Joe Biden for standing with Israel in its “darkest hour” during a visit “that will never be forgotten.” However, toward the end, he also thanked former President Donald Trump, in a much louder voice, “for all the things he did for Israel”—including recognizing Israel for its annexation of Syrian territory, moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and brokering the Abraham Accords with Arab neighbors.

Many Democratic lawmakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, stayed away from the speech, not wanting to play props in Netanyahu’s political theater. They were right to do so.

Israeli officials........

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