Biden campaign co-chairman Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week” that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be trying to destroy U.S.-Israel relations. He said there is.
A partial transcription follows:
Coons: Martha, I want to remind you and our viewers that when Iran launched 300 missiles and drones into Iran, President Biden, working with Britain, France, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, skillfully targeted Israel. It was only three weeks ago that I defended it. Israel. It is clear that we intend to strongly defend Israel, but Prime Minister Netanyahu has urged the president – excuse me, Prime Minister Netanyahu – to choose the path of peace that is before him, and that includes regional Agreement needs to be reached with stakeholders.
RADDATZ: Senator, if Prime Minister Netanyahu launches an all-out attack on Rafah, what do you think the president should do? We heard his warning.
Koons: I think we will act. And I think this really depends on what actions the president takes.
But remember, there is precedent for this. President Reagan was in a position to do the same.
(crosstalk)
RADDATZ: Once again, you reminded us of that. But what does it mean for him to act? Is he going to disarm himself? Will he stop more weapons?
Koons: Yes.
Raddatz: How many weapons are there? All weapons?
Coons: It’s clear that we will not abandon Israel. He will not stop providing defense systems to Israel. Look, Hezbollah continues to attack Israel in the north. Just last night, more rockets and shells hit northern Israel. I don’t think we’re going to leave Israel completely defenseless.
RADDATZ: So he’s saying he’s quitting offensive weapons? He is not defenseless, but we are specifically talking about defensive weapons. So does that mean we should stop using offensive weapons?
Coons: Look, I think all weapons that can only be supplied by the United States and that can cause mass casualties to civilians, like the 2,000-pound bombs used earlier in Gaza, could be suspended. Masu.
It’s tragic that we’re at this point. And I would like to conclude by saying, Marta, that I hope that Prime Minister Netanyahu will think about his legacy. His legacy at this time is the massive strategic and defense failure of October 7th, and his legacy is a real rift, a rupture in the long and strong bipartisan strategic relationship between the United States and Israel. there is a possibility. I think that’s tragic. His contribution may instead be to achieve regional security and peace for Israel.
Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN
