Representative Nancy Pelosi, R-California, has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an “obstacle” to peace and called on him to resign this week, CBS News reports.
Pelosi made the remarks in an interview with Irish public broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann during a visit to Ireland. Democrats, including President Biden, have increasingly criticised Netanyahu’s leadership as Israel continues its offensive on Gaza. Pelosi told the Irish outlet:
We recognise Israel’s right to protect itself. We reject the policy and the practice of Netanyahu. Terrible. What could be worse than what he has done in response? First of all, the exposures. His intelligence person resigned — he should resign. He’s ultimately responsible.
Asked if Netanyahu is a “block” to peace, Pelosi said “he has been for years.” She added:
I don’t know whether he’s afraid of peace, incapable of peace, or just doesn’t want peace. But he has been an obstacle to the two-state solution, I emphasise the word, “solution.”
Pelosi also recently called on the Biden administration to stop supplying arms to Israel.
Pelosi is not the only prominent Democrat calling for new leadership in Israel. Last month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for new elections in Israel, saying Netanyahu’s government no longer represents the interests of the Israeli people.
Like most Democrats, Pelosi initially expressed strong support for Israel in response to Hamas’ brutal 7 October attack and kidnapping of Israeli citizens. But reports of civilian deaths and despair in Gaza, as well as Netanyahu’s reluctance to scale back the attacks, have led to growing tensions between the US and Israeli leadership. A growing number of Americans believe Mr. Biden should call on Israel to halt its actions in Gaza.
Despite criticism from leading Democrats and some Republicans, Congress approved a $26 billion military aid package to Israel this week. Both Schumer and Pelosi voted in favour of the package, which also provides support for Taiwan and Ukraine.
