Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno criticized self-identified “democratic socialists” for accusing Israel of committing war crimes, suggesting they were spreading “Hamas propaganda” by claiming Israel uses starvation as a weapon in ethnic cleansing.
During a heated exchange on the Senate floor, Vermont Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders delivered a prepared statement condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and charging the U.S. with complicity. He even called out former President Donald Trump for allegedly supporting ethnic cleansing for millions.
Moreno, having been in the Senate for just over 100 days, responded directly to Sanders’ comments, stating, “What you just heard can be summed up as absolute publicity for Hamas.” He described Sanders’ statements as dishonorable and emphasized that “Israel is fighting the war we fight otherwise.”
“Hamas is the enemy,” he emphasized, noting that Israel remains a crucial ally.
Moreno further characterized Sanders’ perspective as dangerous and misleading, referencing the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, and the atrocities committed since then. “This war began with Hamas,” he added, noting that the conflict could end if Hamas released all hostages, including Americans.
This exchange highlights the stark divisions in views regarding the Israeli-Hamas conflict. While Sanders and allies depict Israel as an aggressor, Moreno and like-minded lawmakers argue that the Jewish state is defending itself and aligns with American interests.
