Bernie Sanders thinks Biden’s warning to Israel is a positive move
During a recent interview, Sen. Bernie Sanders praised President Joe Biden’s recent warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “good step forward,” but emphasized the need for further action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sanders commended Biden for signaling that the U.S. would stop sending offensive weapons to Israel if it proceeded with its planned invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, where the conflict has forced over 1 million Palestinians to seek refuge.
Sanders expressed his disgust with Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza, calling them “unconscionable.” He argued that Netanyahu should not receive any financial support as long as the destructive war in Gaza continued. While Sanders acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense in response to previous attacks, he condemned the country’s disproportionate and devastating assault on the Palestinian population.
Biden’s statement about withholding weapons from Israel if it entered Rafah was met with mixed reactions. While the President affirmed U.S. support for Israel’s defense, he underscored the importance of preventing further civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza. Sanders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the U.S. must not be complicit in the atrocities unfolding in the region.
However, Sanders contended that Biden should have imposed conditions on aid to Israel sooner, leveraging America’s significant role as a major aid supplier. Despite Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s confirmation that a shipment of bombs to Israel was paused in response to the Rafah offensive, Republicans criticized the move. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed displeasure with the delay in the arms shipment, insisting that U.S. support for Israel should remain steadfast.
In the midst of these developments, Sanders announced his intention to seek reelection for another term in office. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the Senator stressed the urgency of taking decisive action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and promote a lasting peace in the region. By holding Israel accountable for its actions and advocating for humanitarian aid to Gaza, Sanders urged the U.S. to uphold its commitment to justice and human rights on the global stage.
