On Wednesday, Senator Bernie Sanders faced backlash for his comments on U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel. He suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not dictate America’s military actions. Sanders made these remarks while introducing the “No War On Iran Act,” which criticizes Netanyahu’s approach to Iran and calls for Congress to ensure the U.S. does not get involved in what he termed Netanyahu’s “war of choice.”
In a post on social media, Sanders stated, “Netanyahu is not the President of the United States. He should not be determining U.S. foreign and military policy.” He emphasized that if Israelis support a conflict with Iran, it is their issue to handle, not America’s.
This statement drew sharp criticism from David Friedman, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel under President Trump. Friedman called Sanders a “sick and hateful old man” and accused him of promoting an antisemitic trope by claiming that Netanyahu controls U.S. policy. He asserted that decisions made by Trump were based on what he believed was best for America, not influenced by Israel.
Katie Pavlich, a Fox News commentator, reminded Sanders that Iran has been hostile towards the U.S. since 1979, suggesting that the threat from Iran is ongoing. Representative Dan Crenshaw also criticized Sanders, pointing out that Iran had launched significant attacks against Israel in the previous year, which Sanders seemed to overlook.
Sanders has a history of controversial statements regarding Israel. In the past, he has been accused of exaggerating claims about Israeli military actions, particularly during conflicts in Gaza. In February 2024, he voted against a foreign aid package that included support for Israel, citing concerns over Israel’s military actions against Palestinians.
As tensions continue in the Middle East, Sanders’ comments highlight a growing divide in American politics regarding support for Israel and how the U.S. should engage with Middle Eastern conflicts.