Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued a scathing statement in response to Israel’s military strikeS on Iran, denouncing the operation as “illegal” and warning the United States against becoming entangled in what he described as “another of Netanyahu’s wars.”
“Netanyahu started this war with a surprise unilateral attack against Iran, which has already killed hundreds of people and wounded many more,” Sanders stated. “This attack was specifically designed to sabotage American diplomatic efforts: Israel assassinated the man overseeing Iran’s nuclear negotiating team, despite the fact that further talks with the United States were scheduled for Sunday.”
The Vermont senator sharply criticized the legality of the operation, calling it a blatant breach of international norms. “Whatever you think of the corrupt and authoritarian Iranian regime, this attack clearly violates international law and the United Nations Charter,” he said.
Sanders also emphasized that the U.S. must refrain from engaging militarily or financially in the conflict without proper Congressional authorization. “The United States must not be dragged into another of Netanyahu’s wars — not militarily or financially,” he said. “The U.S. Constitution is crystal clear: there can be no offensive use of military force — against Iran or any other country — without an explicit authorization from Congress. No such authorization exists, and any such involvement would be illegal. Congress must not yield on this issue of enormous consequence.”
In one of the most pointed sections of his remarks, Sanders launched a personal broadside against Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. “Let’s remember who Benjamin Netanyahu is: He is a war criminal under indictment by the International Criminal Court for the use of starvation as a method of warfare and directing attacks against the civilian population in Gaza.”
Sanders continued, “At this very moment, in Gaza, Israel continues to prevent the U.N. and other aid groups from delivering desperately needed humanitarian aid to starving civilians. In just the last two weeks, Israeli forces have killed hundreds of civilians trying to reach the few militarized aid distribution sites the Israeli government has permitted to operate.”
He concluded by portraying Israel’s government as increasingly isolated and dangerous under Netanyahu’s leadership. “Netanyahu’s illegal, unilateral attack on Iran is just his latest violation of international law. Under his extremist government, Israel is increasingly becoming a rogue state and a pariah among nations. The United States must not be a part of this war.”

{Matzav.com}