Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling him as an impediment to achieving a two-state solution between Israel and Gaza, and called for his resignation.
During an interview with RTÉ’s Six One News while visiting Ireland, Pelosi discussed the fallout from Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th and Netanyahu’s subsequent military response, which has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (Credits: People)
While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, Pelosi condemned Netanyahu’s policies and actions. “We reject the policies and actions of Netanyahu,” she stated. “It’s dreadful. What could be worse than his response?”
Pelosi asserted that Netanyahu bears ultimate responsibility and should step down from his position. She emphasized that Netanyahu has been a longstanding obstacle to achieving peace in the region, particularly with regards to the two-state solution.
“I don’t know if he’s afraid of peace, incapable of achieving it, or simply unwilling to pursue it, but he has consistently hindered progress towards a two-state solution,” Pelosi remarked.
Despite her criticism of Netanyahu, Pelosi reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Israel, citing it as a matter of national security interest for the United States.
Nancy Pelosi (Credits: Bloomberg)
These remarks come shortly after Pelosi, along with 365 lawmakers, voted in favor of a substantial foreign aid package, which includes funding for Israel’s military, among other countries facing conflict.
The aid package, which passed the House of Representatives, allocates approximately $26 billion in aid to Israel, with $9.2 billion designated for global humanitarian assistance. However, some Democrats opposed the bill due to the absence of conditions on aid for Israel.
This vote marks the third time the House has approved assistance for Israel. The package now awaits consideration in the Senate, where it is expected to be passed.
