Bowman calls Netanyahu a ‘maniac,’ demands removal from office

Congressman Jamal Bowman of New York chose his words in comments Saturday, calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “madman” who “needs” to be removed from office.

Progressive Democrats initially discussed the Biden administration transferring 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and 25 F-35A fighter jets to Israel without notifying lawmakers. , Congress exclusively reported on the weapons package. washington post on friday.

Bowman said Congress “absolutely” should have been notified.

He then criticized Israel’s handling of the war and the number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, and accused Israeli leaders of standing in the way of peace in the Israel-Hamas war.

“Much of Gaza has already been destroyed by this act of collective punishment by this madman Benjamin Netanyahu,” Bowman told MSNBC’s Alex Witt on Saturday.

“I agree with Senator Schumer 100%. He needs to be removed. He is blocking the path to peace. And we need a ceasefire now. That’s what we need. Our focus should be on humanitarian aid, not weapons.”

In his response, Bowman addressed remarks made two weeks ago by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, calling for new elections in Israel and criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Mentioned.

Progressive Democrats renewed calls for a ceasefire and more aid, calling the ongoing situation in Gaza a “humanitarian crisis.”

“Hundreds of thousands of children are starving to death in Gaza right now, and as we speak, the vast majority of Americans support a permanent ceasefire,” Bowman said. . “The majority of my constituency supports a permanent ceasefire. We need a permanent ceasefire. We need hundreds of trucks to bring in aid. There is a humanitarian crisis.”