Sen. Van Hollen Criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to “entangle” the U.S. in a conflict with Iran, particularly in light of the previous Trump administration’s approach to the Middle East.

In remarks made during a CNN appearance on Friday, Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, suggested that Netanyahu had effectively “outmaneuvered” President Trump regarding Iran.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently aimed to pull the United States into a confrontation with Iran. Remember, he was a major supporter of the Iraq War, expecting it to be easy,” Van Hollen stated.

The senator further explained that Netanyahu’s efforts to undermine the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, reflect his ongoing ambition to pursue military options against the country. “Netanyahu’s objective has always been military action,” he continued.

Van Hollen expressed concern that Netanyahu seems to be using Trump to pursue his own agenda regarding Iran.

Along with other Senate Democrats, Van Hollen has voiced worries that Trump might collaborate with Israel to launch a military strike on Tehran’s nuclear facilities without seeking congressional approval.

A group of Senate Democrats led by Senator Tim Kaine is pushing for a vote on a resolution that would ensure Congress votes on any military action against Iran. A similar resolution was put forward in the House of Representatives by Representative Thomas Massie and some Democratic colleagues.

Nevertheless, prominent Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have avoided endorsing the resolution concerning Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Trump has indicated a willingness to consider using a U.S. “bunker-buster” bomb targeting an Iranian underground site, which Israel is keen to destroy. According to a report from the New York Times, Trump mentioned that it could take up to two weeks to determine whether to engage in armed conflict, following appeals from Netanyahu.