Bernie Sanders: Benjamin Netanyahu 'cannot run a racist government' and ask US for money

19 February 2023

On Sunday's edition of Face the Nation, United States Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) chided Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for soliciting economic aid while advancing a apartheidesque agenda that subjugates Palestinians and deepens the cultural schisms that foment bloodshed.

"I want to ask you about some issues on foreign policy. CIA Director Bill Burns recently said that the uptick in violence in Israel and Palestinian territories reminds him of the last Intifada – that there could be an explosion of violence. Israel now has the most right-wing government it's had in years. Do you think that democracy is in peril in Israel right now?" CBS moderator Margaret Brennan asked Sanders.

"I do. I am very worried about what Netanyahu is doing and some of his allies in government and what may happen to the Palestinian people," Sanders said. "The United States gives billions of dollars in aid to Israel. And I think we've got to put some strings attached to that and say you cannot run a racist government. You cannot turn your back on a two-state solution. You cannot demean the Palestinian people there. You just can't do it and then come to America and ask for money."

Brennan questioned Sanders on whether he has discussed the issue with President Joe Biden's administration, which she noted has "been very careful in criticism of the Netanyahu government."

Sanders replied that he has not and that he is "not careful about it," adding that "I'm embarrassed that, that in Israel, you have a government of that nature right now."

Brennan then pressed Sanders on if he is "going to introduce something," referring to legislation, to address the issue.

"We may well, yes," he confirmed.

"To try to attach strings to U.S. aid to Israel?" Brennan followed up.

"If a government is acting in a racist way, and they want billions of dollars from the taxpayers of the United States, I think you say, 'sorry, but it's not acceptable," Sanders said. "You want our money? Fine. This is what you got to do to get it.'"

Watch below or at this link.

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