Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) acknowledged on Sunday that while he recognizes Israel as a Jewish state, he believes the recent actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have rendered Israel “almost a pariah state.”
During an interview with CNN discussing the “Confederation Status,” Sanders responded to questions about Israel’s recent decisions, including Netanyahu’s plans to increase control over the Gaza Strip despite facing international backlash and pressure from the U.S. to rein in Israeli leaders.
When asked if he supports Israel’s identity as a Jewish state, Sanders expressed his agreement but noted that recent government actions have shifted Israel’s global standing significantly. He stated, “What Netanyahu did, what the Israeli government did, is almost a pariah state, and I am very afraid that Israel is now being viewed from a very disadvantaged perspective not only by the US but by people all over the world.”
Sanders emphasized that while Israel has the right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023, attacks that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals, the subsequent actions taken against the Palestinians have raised concerns. He remarked, “Look, I had the right to protect myself from the horrific terrorist attacks from Hamas, of course, but what they have done since then went to war with the Palestinians.”
In response to questions about Hamas potentially worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sanders asserted that Israel effectively controls the military situation, though he acknowledged Hamas’s role as a dangerous terrorist organization. “It’s not Hamas,” he said, adding, “Hamas is a scary terrorist organization… And I certainly hope that they have no future in the new Gaza Palestine. But for now, the Netanyahu government’s shortcomings are 100%.”
These comments follow Netanyahu’s announcement of plans to intensify military operations in the Gaza Strip.
