Bernie Sanders on Israel
Senator Bernie Sanders consistently supports Israel's right to exist but is simultaneously a vocal critic of the actions taken by the Israeli government, especially regarding the treatment of Palestinians. He has repeatedly criticized specific Israeli policies and military engagements, such as during the Gaza war, leading to calls to condition or withhold U.S. military aid. Sanders also supports Palestinian rights and has previously called out the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), reflecting a progressive shift in Democratic Party views on the conflict.
Sanders's position on Israel has shown an evolution, becoming more critical of Israeli policy and more vocal in support of humanitarian concerns in Gaza over time. His recent statements have included strong accusations against the Israeli government's conduct in the conflict.
This strong criticism is tempered by his acknowledgment of Israel's right to security, though he often frames his foreign policy in terms of diplomacy and reduced military spending overall. His recent actions include introducing multiple Senate resolutions to block arms transfers to Israel.
Context
Bernie Sanders's position on Israel is significant because he is a prominent progressive voice within the Democratic Party leadership. His views often contrast with more traditional, staunchly pro-Israel stances within the mainstream of both major U.S. parties. As a self-described democratic socialist with Jewish heritage, his critique of Israeli policy is often seen through a human rights and international law lens.
Timeline
- Bernie Sanders and his first wife volunteered on a kibbutz in northern Israel.
- As mayor, Sanders allowed a Chabad public menorah at city hall, which the ACLU contested.
- Following the Paris attacks, Sanders cautioned against Islamophobia and stated the U.S. should continue to welcome Syrian refugees.
- Sanders laid out a foreign policy favoring adherence to the Iran nuclear deal framework and promoting human rights.
- Sanders called the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a platform for bigotry and said he would not attend its conference.
- During the Gaza war, Sanders called for a humanitarian ceasefire and urged President Biden to withhold military aid to Israel.
- Sanders stated his conclusion that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, becoming the first U.S. Senator to make this claim.
Actions Taken
- LegislationIntroduced several Joint Resolutions of Disapproval in the Senate aimed at blocking arms transfers to Israel during the Gaza war.
- ActivismVolunteered on an Israeli kibbutz, Sha'ar HaAmakim, alongside his first wife.
- Political StatementCondemned President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, citing damage to peace prospects.
Key Quotes
I condemned the horrific and barbaric terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, and I also condemn the bombing of Gaza by the Israeli government and the resulting mass starvation of the Palestinian people.
The intent is clear. The conclusion is inescapable: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
It would dramatically undermine the prospects for an Israeli–Palestinian peace agreement, and severely, perhaps irreparably, damage the United States' ability to broker that peace.
Criticism
Some Democratic officials reportedly opposed supporting progressive candidates like Zohran Mamdani because he voiced the view held by many Democrats—'No more money for Netanyahu'—regarding Israel.
Sources5
- During the Gaza war, Sanders introduced several Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block arms to Israel.
- Sanders condemned Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital...
- Sanders accused Israel of mass starvation, ethnic cleansing, and extermination.
- Sanders said that he would continue to work with the Democratic National Convention organizers to implement progressive positions.
- In 1963, Sanders and his first wife volunteered at Sha'ar HaAmakim, a kibbutz in northern Israel.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.