Former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the October 7 Hamas attack in Gaza, calling for his resignation. In an interview with Irish public broadcaster Raidio Teilifis Eireann (RTE) on Monday, Pelosi criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, saying, “We recognize 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?”
Pelosi pointed to the recent resignation of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intelligence chief Major General Aharon Haliva over the failure to prevent the attack and argued that Netanyahu bears ultimate responsibility. “He should resign. He’s ultimately responsible,” she said.
When asked if Netanyahu is a “block” to peace, Pelosi replied that “he has been for years,” adding that she doesn’t know whether the Israeli leader is “afraid of peace, incapable of peace, or just doesn’t want peace.” She went on to argue that Netanyahu has been an “obstacle to the two-state solution, I emphasize the word, ‘solution.’”
Pelosi’s comments add to growing international criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza violence. Health authorities in Gaza estimate that more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed amid Israel’s siege of the enclave, which has included extensive bombardment as well as a ground incursion.
Earlier this month, Pelosi joined more than 30 US Congress members who signed a letter urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to halt weapons transfers to Israel. The change of tune in Washington, Israel’s key ally, followed the killing of six aid workers from the World Central Kitchen humanitarian organization. The IDF targeted the group’s convoy in what it claimed to be a tragic mistake, despite the food supply mission being closely coordinated with the military.
Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday approved a long-stalled $95 billion emergency spending bill which includes $26 billion in aid to Israel and $61 billion for Ukraine. Biden is expected to sign the bill into law shortly.
