Sen. Bernie Sanders has warned President Joe Biden that he will continue to face political repercussions until he changes course and stops providing military aid to Israel unconditionally. During an interview on MSNBC, Sanders reiterated the need for the United States to put pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians. Sanders pointed out that failure to do so would negatively impact Biden’s standing within the Democratic Party, particularly with younger voters and voters of color, leading up to the November election against presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump.
Sanders emphasized that while he believes Israel has the right to respond to attacks by Hamas, it does not have the right to block humanitarian aid from reaching those in need. He noted that children are dying and Americans do not want to be complicit in such actions. Recent polls have shown a decline in support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, with a majority of Americans expressing disapproval of the actions being taken. A recent incident in which seven aid workers in Gaza associated with a charity organization founded by chef José Andrés were killed in an Israeli bombing further highlighted the humanitarian crisis.
The Vermont progressive called for an end to the indiscriminate killing of civilians and aid workers, as well as the use of food as a weapon in the conflict. He criticized the U.S. for continuing to provide funding to Israel while the atrocities against the Palestinian people persist. Biden’s approval rating has been low, and he is facing backlash from the left over his handling of the situation in Israel. Activists are voting “uncommitted” in Democratic primaries as a form of protest against Biden’s policies on Israel. Despite his disagreements with Biden on this issue, Sanders stated that he remains committed to ensuring Trump is not re-elected in November, as he believes it would be disastrous for the country.
Sanders emphasized that the Democratic base is calling for an end to funding for Israel’s military actions and for greater support for Palestinians. He argued that Biden must listen to the voices of the party’s younger and minority voters who are increasingly concerned about the situation in Gaza. Sanders stressed the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis and not turning a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians. He called on the U.S. to play a more active role in promoting peace and justice in the region, rather than supporting actions that perpetuate violence and hardship.
The senator condemned the recent bombing that killed aid workers in Gaza and urged the Israeli government to take responsibility for the consequences of its actions. He criticized Netanyahu’s government for its role in the ongoing conflict and called for an immediate end to the violence. Sanders reiterated the need for the U.S. to reassess its relationship with Israel and prioritize the well-being of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. He expressed a commitment to working towards a resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved, without further contributing to the suffering of the Palestinian people. Sanders remains focused on defeating Trump in the upcoming election, while continuing to advocate for a more just and equitable approach to foreign policy in the Middle East.
