Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has added another powerful voice to Democrats’ criticism by calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. Israeli leader.
In an interview published Monday, Rep. Pelosi cited final resignation Before the Israel Defense Forces intelligence chief pointed the finger back at Netanyahu over the failures surrounding the October 7 Hamas-led attack.
“We recognize Israel’s right to defend itself. We reject Netanyahu’s policies and practices – terrible. What could be worse than what he has done in response?” Pelosi, D-Calif., said Irish Broadcaster RTÉ’s Six One News.
“He should resign. Ultimately, he is responsible,” he said.
Asked whether she sees Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace, Pelosi responded: “I don’t know if he’s afraid of peace, incapable of peace, or just doesn’t want peace. But he’s been an obstacle to a two-state solution.”
Israel’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
Pelosi gave the interview during a visit to Ireland, where she was named the first recipient of the Fulbright Irish Public Service Award.
Earlier this month, Pelosi joined more than three dozen members of Congress signed a letter He called on President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to “reconsider” the recent decision to authorize the delivery of a new arms package to Israel.
Lawmakers called on the United States to halt future arms transfers until they are fully completed investigation to an airstrike this month that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers.
More 34,000 Palestinians According to local health officials, they have died since the war began. The Israeli government said that about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 hostages were taken in Israel during the October 7 attack by Hamas, but it is still unclear how many people are still alive.
Pelosi’s comments came after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States. called for new elections “Netanyahu’s coalition no longer meets Israel’s needs after October 7,” he said in a Senate speech last month to replace the Israeli leader.
Senate voted To pass on Tuesday A $95 billion aid package The document, which covers $26 billion in aid to Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza, was passed in the House of Representatives on Saturday. Biden is expected to sign the measure into law.