WASHINGTON DC, USA – In a pointed critique of Israeli leadership, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, in a broadcast on Monday, April 21, 2024.
Her comments, made during an interview with RTÉ’s Six One News in Ireland, intensify the Democratic pushback against Netanyahu following the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Pelosi linked her demand to the recent resignation of the intelligence chief of the Israel Defense Forces, which she attributed to failures in response to the attack.
“We recognise 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 remarked, emphasising, “He should resign. He’s ultimately responsible.”
Further questioning his suitability for leadership, Pelosi expressed doubts about Netanyahu’s commitment to peace, stating, “I don’t know whether he’s afraid of peace, incapable of peace, or just doesn’t want peace. But he has been an obstacle to the two-state solution.”
This statement follows calls from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for new elections in Israel, signalling a significant stance from U.S. legislators amid escalating tensions. Schumer, speaking last month on the Senate floor, argued that “the Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7.”
Pelosi’s comments also come in the wake of congressional concerns over U.S. arms transfers to Israel.
Earlier this month, she joined over three dozen other lawmakers in signing a letter urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to “reconsider” a new arms package to Israel, pending a thorough investigation into an airstrike that killed seven humanitarian workers from the World Central Kitchen.
The backdrop to these developments includes a significant casualty toll, with local health officials reporting over 34,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict escalated.
The Israeli government reported approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel from the October attack, with around 250 hostages taken.
As debates continue, the U.S. Senate has passed a $95 billion aid package, including $26 billion in aid to Israel and humanitarian relief for Gaza, which President Biden is expected to sign into law.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington has not responded to Pelosi’s comments as of Tuesday night.
