House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi said she believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “should resign,” criticizing the Israeli leader’s aggressive response in Gaza to the Oct. 1 Hamas attack. 7, and she said Netanyahu has been an obstacle to peace “for years.”
Pelosi made the statements In an interview with Irish public broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann during a visit to Ireland. Democrats, including President Biden, have grown increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s leadership as Israel continues its attack on Gaza.
“We recognize Israel’s right to protect itself,” Pelosi told the Irish media. “We reject Netanyahu’s policy and practice. Terrible. What could be worse than what he has done in response? First of all, the allegations. His intelligence manager resigned; he should resign. He is ultimately responsible” .
Asked if Netanyahu is a “bloc” for peace, Pelosi said he “has been for years.”
“I don’t know if he’s afraid of peace, incapable of peace or just doesn’t want peace,” Pelosi said. “But it has been an obstacle to the two-state solution, I emphasize the word ‘solution’.”
Pelosi also recently called on the Biden administration to stop arms transfers to Israel.
Pelosi is not the only prominent Democrat calling for new leadership in Israel. Last month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Netanyahu had “lost his way” and called for elections elect a new government.
Like most Democrats, Pelosi initially expressed strong support for Israel in its response to the brutal Hamas attack on October 1. 7 terrorist attacks and kidnapping of Israeli citizens. But the reports and images of civil death and despair in Gaza and Netanyahu’s unwillingness to reduce attacks have led to growing tensions between American and Israeli leaders. In growing number of Americans They say Biden should encourage Israel to cease its actions in Gaza.
The Senate on Tuesday a foreign aid package advanced That provides an additional $26.4 billion to Israel, after the House approved the $95 billion in foreign aid in the form of four individual bills over the weekend.