Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said President Biden’s warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a “good step forward” in an interview Wednesday, but he hopes to see “even more” from the president in the future.
“Well, I think it’s a good step forward. I think we have to do even more,” Sanders told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in an interview Wednesday. “The bottom line is, Kaitlan, what Netanyahu did in Gaza is unjust.”
“In my opinion, Netanyahu should not have received a dime while continuing this incredibly destructive war. I’m glad to see that the president is starting – beginning – to move in that direction,” Sanders added.
Sanders’ comments come later Biden warned in a previous interview that it would stop supplying Israel with offensive weapons such as bombs and artillery shells if Israeli forces launched an invasion of Rafah, drawing a clear line amid protests over the conflict in Gaza.
“I have made it clear that if they go to Rafah – they have not yet gone to Rafah – if they go to Rafah, I will not provide the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah, to deal with the cities – that deal with this problem,” Biden said previously.
The White House has urged Israel not to send forces to Rafah without a clear plan to safely evacuate civilians, but Netanyahu has been adamant about plans to destroy Hamas, which he says requires going after the battalions and security system. Hamas tunnels in Rafah, as well as those of its leaders. and hostages who are being held there.
Sanders said he understands the difficulty in attacking Hamas, but said: “America should not be complicit in what is happening there right now.”
“It’s a difficult issue. Hamas is a very difficult enemy to combat. They are a terrorist group. They use civilian shields. It’s true,” Sanders said, when asked about those who ask how Israel should proceed if terrorists hide there with hostages. “But look, what America cannot and should not be a part of is literally the destruction of all of Gaza. I mean, the infrastructure, the education, the healthcare system is decimated and many women and children are killed.”
“So yes, you have to go after Hamas. But no, you cannot continue… literally almost destroying the entire population of that region,” he added.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
