Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, emphasized on Sunday the necessity for the Biden administration to communicate unequivocally with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Sanders stressed that for Israel to maintain U.S. support, it must reassess its approach to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In his appearance on “Face the Nation,” Sanders articulated, “No more money to Netanyahu’s war machine to kill Palestinian children.” This stance reflects his longstanding criticism of Netanyahu’s policies.
Sanders is part of a faction of lawmakers contending that Israel’s actions contravene the Foreign Assistance Act by obstructing American humanitarian aid to Gaza. He reiterated his belief that suspending or attaching conditions to aid to Israel would be the appropriate response.
Describing the situation in Gaza as an “unprecedented crisis,” Sanders highlighted the peril facing thousands of children, emphasizing that irrespective of political affiliation, no one wishes to witness the starvation of children in Gaza. He urged for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Sanders asserted, “I think at the end of the day, Hamas cannot be continuing to run Gaza and the Netanyahu government cannot continue to run Israel if we’re going to ever bring peace to that region.”
These remarks coincide with the onset of the holy month of Ramadan. While President Biden expressed optimism for a six-week ceasefire to align with Ramadan, the prospect of such an agreement seemed uncertain as negotiations stalled.
The White House’s stance toward Netanyahu has appeared increasingly resolute in recent weeks amid mounting political pressure. Biden’s remarks captured on a hot mic following the State of the Union underscored his intention to have a candid conversation with the Israeli prime minister regarding the facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Progressive voices have been vocal in their criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Initiatives have been launched nationwide to vote “uncommitted” as a signal of dissatisfaction with the president’s stance. Despite some erosion of support among progressives, Sanders emphasized a stark contrast between Biden and the likely GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump.
Sanders urged voters to consider key issues such as climate change, reproductive rights, tax policy, prescription drug costs, and the integrity of democratic processes. While acknowledging ongoing efforts to influence Biden’s Gaza policy, Sanders juxtaposed the approaches of Biden and Trump, asserting, “The fight continues to change Biden’s policy in Gaza. But the contrast between Biden and Trump is day and night.”
{Matzav.com}