House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi expressed her belief that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "should resign," citing his aggressive response in Gaza to Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Pelosi, during an interview with Irish public broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann in Ireland, criticized Netanyahu for being an obstacle to peace "for years."
Democrats, including President Biden, have been increasingly critical of Netanyahu's leadership as Israel continues its assault on Gaza.
"We recognize Israel's right to protect itself," Pelosi stated. "We reject the policy and the practice of Netanyahu. Terrible. What could be worse than what he has done in response? First of all, the exposures. His intelligence person resigned — he should resign. He's ultimately responsible."
When asked if Netanyahu is a "block" to peace, Pelosi affirmed, saying "he has been for years."
"I don't know whether he's afraid of peace, incapable of peace, or just doesn't want peace," Pelosi pondered. "But he has been an obstacle to the two-state solution, I emphasize the word, 'solution.'"
Pelosi also recently urged the Biden administration to halt weapons transfers to Israel.
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Pelosi isn't the only prominent Democrat advocating for new leadership in Israel. Last month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Netanyahu, stating that he has "lost his way," and called for new elections to select a different government.
Initially, like many Democrats, Pelosi showed strong backing for Israel as it retaliated against Hamas' violent Oct. 7 attack and abduction of Israeli citizens. However, the reports and images of civilian casualties and suffering in Gaza, coupled with Netanyahu's reluctance to de-escalate the situation, have led to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Israeli leadership. A growing number of Americans are urging President Biden to push for Israel to halt its actions in Gaza.
The Senate took a step on Tuesday to approve a foreign aid package that includes an extra $26.4 billion for Israel, following the House's endorsement of $95 billion in foreign aid through four separate bills over the weekend.
