In a recent interview on Face The Nation, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Sanders criticized the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for its actions in Gaza, where thousands of women and children have been killed, and hundreds of thousands of children are at risk of starvation. He called for the United States to stop providing military aid to Israel and instead focus on delivering humanitarian aid to those in need.
Sanders also raised the issue of potential violations of U.S. laws, such as the Foreign Assistance Act and the Leahy Act, by Israel in its handling of the conflict. He called on President Biden to use his national security powers to suspend or condition aid to Israel until humanitarian needs are addressed. Sanders emphasized the importance of taking a strong stance against the killing of Palestinian children and urged for a change in policy to prioritize humanitarian efforts over military actions.
When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire with Hamas, Sanders acknowledged the challenges due to the group’s goal of destroying Israel. However, he stressed the immediate need for a temporary ceasefire to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in Gaza who are suffering. Sanders emphasized the importance of preventing further displacement and violence in the region, highlighting the need for a focus on humanitarian efforts rather than military actions.
Regarding President Biden’s stance on the conflict, Sanders expressed concern over potential military operations in Gaza and called for a clear red line to prevent further violence and displacement of Palestinians. He emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to be prioritized over military actions and urged for a change in policy to address the immediate needs of those affected by the conflict.
In terms of the upcoming presidential election, Sanders emphasized the importance of supporting President Biden based on key policy issues such as climate change, women’s rights, income inequality, and healthcare. While acknowledging his disagreements with Biden’s handling of the conflict in Gaza, Sanders urged progressives to focus on the broader policy differences between Biden and the alternative, emphasizing the need for a progressive agenda to address economic and social issues in the country. Despite his criticism of Biden’s policies on the Middle East, Sanders reaffirmed his endorsement of Biden’s candidacy as a preferable option to the potential re-election of former President Trump.
