In one of the strongest attacks on Israel yet seen by a major political figure in the United States, the frontrunning Democratic nominee for President Bernie Sanders has called the Israeli government “right-wing” and “racist”.
In a sign of a changing political landscape where Israel is concerned, Sanders blasted the Netanyahu administration for what critics have long stated is a de-facto system of apartheid, saying that the Palestinian people had been treated “unfairly.”
Sanders also criticised the amount of military aid that the U.S. gives to Israel, pointing out that it gives Israel almost complete autonomy to act the way it does in the region.
“The United States gives billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. I just believe that the US should deal with the Middle East on a level-playing-field basis. In other words, the goal must be to try to bring people together and not just support one country, which is now run by a right-wing and, dare I say, racist government.”
Bernie Sanders
Sanders is currently boasting an impressive lead over Joe Biden in most polls as he seeks to become the Democratic nominee for President and the challenger to staunchly pro-Israel Donald Trump at the 2020 election.
After politicians in the UK expressed similar sentiments about Israel, a ferocious campaign of slander and disinformation began by pro-Israeli groups in the UK parliament, with evidence suggesting these campaigns are endorsed and supported by the Netanyahu government itself. It remains to be seen if Sanders will receive the same treatment, although considering the vile and racist treatment of U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar after comments she also made criticising Israel, it would seem likely.
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