Sanders slams Netanyahu as 'extremist,' condemns US role in Iran war

US Senator Bernie Sanders delivered a searing condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, holding him responsible for drawing America into a devastating war with Iran. The Vermont independent's remarks, posted on the social media platform X, represent one of the most direct critiques of Israeli leadership from a prominent American political figure since the conflict began.

Sanders lists Netanyahu's record

In his statement, Sanders catalogued what he characterized as Netanyahu's history of destructive policies and advocacy for military confrontation. "Netanyahu is the extremist who killed 75,000 in Gaza. The extremist who said invading Iraq would create 'enormous positive reverberations.' The extremist who has pushed U.S. presidents to go to war with Iran for decades," the senator wrote. He concluded that the Israeli prime minister "finally found a President who said yes. Tragic," in an explicit reference to President Donald Trump's decision to launch the current military campaign.

Netanyahu rejects allegations of pushing US into war

The Israeli prime minister has forcefully pushed back against suggestions that his government influenced American decision-making regarding Iran. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Netanyahu dismissed such claims as "ridiculous," asserting Trump's independence in strategic matters. "Donald Trump is the strongest leader in the world. He does what he thinks is right for America. He does also what he thinks is right for future generations," Netanyahu stated, attempting to deflect criticism while praising the American president's leadership.

War exacts heavy toll on all sides

The US-Israeli strikes against Iran, which began Feb. 28, have resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior security officials. American forces have also suffered losses, with six US service members killed and several others seriously wounded. Tehran has retaliated by targeting Israeli territory and Gulf nations hosting American military assets, expanding the conflict's geographic scope and raising concerns about prolonged regional instability. Sanders's criticism highlights growing domestic American unease with the war's trajectory and human cost.