In a video posted to X on Thursday, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) denounced what he sees as “extremism” and “racism” in the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and criticized him for linking protests against Israel’s foreign policy to antisemitism.
“Mr. Netanyahu, antisemitism is a vile and disgusting form of bigotry that has done unspeakable harm to millions,” the two-time former presidential candidate wrote. “Do not insult the intelligence of the American people by attempting to distract us from the immoral and illegal war policies of your extremist and racist government.”
Mr. Netanyahu, antisemitism is a vile and disgusting form of bigotry that has done unspeakable harm to millions.
Do not insult the intelligence of the American people by attempting to distract us from the immoral and illegal war policies of your extremist and racist government. pic.twitter.com/CnM6oOrHKd
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 25, 2024
“In little over six months, your extremist government has killed over 34,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 78,000—70 percent of whom are women and children,” he said in the video, citing figures from the Gaza Health Ministry. Pro-Israel organizations such as Tablet Magazine and Foundation for Defense of Democracies contest these numbers, claiming they are inflated and that the Ministry is controlled by Hamas.
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He also cited a number of statistics on bombings, homelessness in Gaza, the “obliteration” of Gaza’s infrastructure and healthcare systems, the “murder” of healthcare workers, and the destruction of Gaza’s schools.
Finally, Sanders deplored Netanyahu and his government for blocking aid from entering the Gaza Strip.
In March, President Biden announced plans to order the US military to construct a makeshift pier for aid to enter the war-torn territory. According to reports earlier today, the pier was hit with mortar fire as United Nations officials toured it.
In late February, a political action committee (PAC) started by Sanders during his 2016 presidential campaign sent an email blast to 87,000 voters in Michigan telling them to withhold their primary vote for President Joe Biden over his support for the war in Israel, telling them to “push Biden to change course on Gaza.”
Shane Devine is a writer covering politics and business for VT and a regular guest on The Unusual Suspects. Follow Shane’s work here.
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