Khanna says Biden ‘needs to do something bold,’ especially with Israel-Hamas war

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California on Sunday suggested President Biden “do something bold” and call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, where his administration’s support base appears to be wavering.

CBS News “Face the Nation” anchor Margaret Brennan gave a similar assessment of former President Trump, saying that Democrats are more likely to favor Biden than Republicans, arguing that the president “has a problem with his base.” He cited polls showing that nearly twice as many people rate his presidency as either “fair” or “poor.”

“That’s why I think he needs to do something bold…this is a problem,” Khanna said on Sunday. “But if he can turn the situation around, rather than just calling for a ceasefire, he can persuade the Gulf allies, he must convene Israel, he must convene Palestinian local government and civil society leaders and say, ‘I’m going.’ If I were to become the first American president to say, “To accomplish this. I’m going to recognize a Palestinian state, I’m going to have a two-state solution, I’m going to recognize that Israeli security is important, that ending the occupation is important, that he can be a hero. ”

Khanna said earlier in the interview that he has been a “very outspoken” critic of Biden’s Middle East policy, insisting that what Biden must do is “stop the killing and the suffering.”

“And my request to this president, who I deeply support, is that Mr. President, please seek a permanent ceasefire,” Khanna said. “There has been too much suffering and all the hostages have been released. The policy of giving Prime Minister Netanyahu a bear hug is not working.”

Khanna’s proposal comes as a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas continues to be negotiated by both parties and international leaders, including CIA Director William Burns.

Israel has reportedly agreed to the framework of a proposed temporary cease-fire and hostage release agreement, according to a senior U.S. government official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday. The official said Israel had “more or less accepted” the framework, leaving the decision to the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

If accepted, the deal would include a six-week ceasefire and allow Hamas to release hostages considered at risk, U.S. officials said. It would also pave the way for even more humanitarian aid to flow into the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by Israeli military operations.

Shortly after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages, the Biden administration provided unwavering support to our allies.

But as the war nears its fifth month and the death toll among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip exceeds 30,000, U.S. leaders and much of the international community are curtailing retaliatory military operations to prevent civilian casualties. The pressure on Israel is increasing.

Brennan asked Khanna if publicly criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an election year bodes well for Biden’s re-election, and he said, “Yes.” Do you know who it is? President Obama and he won two terms. ”

Brennan noted that Vice President Biden did not agree with President Obama’s approach at the time.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.