Bernie Sanders stance on Israel has become increasingly critical amid the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The conflict has claimed the lives of approximately 60,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 143,000—predominantly women, children, and the elderly. In a population of just over two million, more than 10% of Gaza’s residents have been killed or wounded since the war began.
While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, Sanders has strongly opposed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military campaign, which has destroyed 70% of all structures in Gaza. His vocal support for Gaza has grown as the humanitarian situation deteriorates, with the UN reporting that 92% of housing units have been damaged or destroyed. Furthermore, Sanders has become entangled in political controversies by forcing Senate votes to block arms sales to Israel and publicly condemning what he views as violations of international law. Notably, his position has evolved as the crisis has worsened, with recent UN reports confirming that “the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip”.
Sanders’ Position on Hamas and Israel’s Right to Defend Itself
Senator Bernie Sanders has maintained a principled but nuanced position on the Israel-Hamas conflict that has evolved as the war progressed. His stance balances support for Israel’s security with deep concern for Palestinian civilians.
Acknowledging Hamas as a terrorist group
Throughout the conflict, Sanders has consistently condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. In multiple Senate speeches and media appearances, he has unequivocally denounced the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Sanders has described the attack as “horrific,” stating that Hamas committed terrible atrocities against innocent civilians. He has repeatedly emphasized that Hamas is not interested in a two-state solution but rather in the destruction of Israel.
Sanders has made clear that his criticism of Israel’s military actions does not equate to support for Hamas. Instead, he has distinguished between the Palestinian people and Hamas leadership, arguing that Palestinian civilians should not suffer collective punishment for Hamas’s actions.
Support for Israel’s initial right to self-defense
After the October 7 attack, Sanders immediately acknowledged Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself. He publicly supported Israel’s initial military response, recognizing the country’s need to protect its citizens from terrorism. Sanders emphasized that any nation would respond militarily after such an attack on its territory.
In the early days of the conflict, Sanders expressed understanding for Israel’s security concerns and the trauma experienced by Israeli civilians. He has consistently maintained that Israel, like any sovereign nation, has the fundamental right to exist in peace and security. His support for Israel’s defense has been rooted in his belief in the country’s right to exist within secure borders.
Where Sanders draws the line
Despite supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, Sanders has established clear boundaries regarding what constitutes legitimate military action. As civilian casualties mounted in Gaza, he began vocally opposing what he viewed as disproportionate force.
Sanders has drawn a sharp distinction between targeted operations against Hamas and indiscriminate bombing that harms civilians. He has argued that Israel’s right to self-defense does not extend to actions that violate international humanitarian law or create a humanitarian disaster.
The senator has been particularly critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach, separating his criticism of the current Israeli government from support for Israel itself. Sanders has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and a return to diplomatic solutions.
His position reflects a consistent application of his progressive values—supporting a nation’s right to defense while opposing military actions he views as excessive or counterproductive to long-term peace. Sanders’ stance represents an attempt to balance solidarity with both Israeli and Palestinian civilians caught in the conflict.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Sanders’ Response
The humanitarian toll in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions, driving Senator Sanders to take increasingly vocal positions against the ongoing military campaign. His advocacy has intensified as the human suffering has mounted.
Mass casualties and destruction in Gaza
The scale of civilian casualties in Gaza represents one of the most concentrated periods of death and injury in recent conflicts. Children account for nearly 40% of those killed, with women making up another significant portion of victims. Healthcare facilities have not been spared, with over 70% of hospitals and medical centers rendered non-operational through bombing or lack of supplies.
Sanders has repeatedly emphasized that responsibility for this destruction extends beyond Hamas to Israel’s military strategy. He has pointed out that the displacement of 1.9 million Gazans from their homes—nearly 90% of the population—constitutes one of the largest forced relocations in recent history.
Starvation and collapse of infrastructure
As the war continues, Gaza faces an unprecedented food security crisis. Essential services have broken down completely—clean water is unavailable to most residents, sewage systems have failed, and electricity remains largely non-existent across the territory. Medical supplies have dwindled to critical levels, leaving hospitals unable to treat the wounded and sick.
Sanders has specifically condemned the blocking of humanitarian aid, calling it “unacceptable” and “morally indefensible.” He has highlighted how food insecurity affects virtually the entire population, with children particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and its long-term consequences.
Sanders’ use of Senate floor to highlight suffering
Throughout the crisis, Sanders has used his Senate platform to bring attention to Gaza’s humanitarian emergency. In several powerful floor speeches, he has read testimonies from doctors, aid workers, and civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
During one particularly emotional address, Sanders presented photographs of injured children and destroyed neighborhoods, challenging his colleagues to acknowledge the human cost of continued U.S. support for the military campaign. He has consistently argued that American values cannot align with such widespread civilian suffering.
Bernie Sanders Support for Gaza through aid advocacy
Beyond rhetoric, Sanders has taken concrete legislative action to address Gaza’s humanitarian needs. He has sponsored amendments to increase humanitarian funding and remove bureaucratic obstacles to aid delivery.
Moreover, Sanders has worked across the political spectrum to build support for humanitarian relief separate from military considerations. He has emphasized that supporting Gaza’s civilian population represents a moral imperative regardless of one’s position on the broader conflict. His advocacy has helped maintain attention on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis even as political debates continue about military strategy and long-term solutions.
Opposition to Arms Sales and Legal Arguments
Beyond humanitarian advocacy, Sanders has anchored his opposition to Israeli arms sales in firm legal ground, forcing votes on resolutions aimed at blocking weapons transfers under established American legislation.
Invoking the Foreign Assistance Act
At the core of Sanders’ opposition lies the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, which explicitly prohibit sending weapons to countries that violate international law by killing civilians or blocking humanitarian aid. Sanders has repeatedly emphasized that these sales “clearly violate” these longstanding laws. He has specifically invoked Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act, which states unequivocally that “no U.S. assistance may be provided to any country that prohibits or restricts the delivery of United States humanitarian assistance”. In public statements, Sanders has urged President Biden to enforce these provisions, arguing that the evidence of violations is overwhelming.
Blocking offensive weapons and JDAM kits
Sanders has introduced multiple resolutions to halt specific arms transfers. His resolution S.J.Res.34 aimed to block a $675.70 million sale of thousands of 1,000-pound bombs and JDAM guidance kits. Concurrently, S.J.Res.41 sought to prohibit the sale of tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles. Although these measures failed in Senate votes, they garnered unprecedented support—27 Democrats voted to block rifle sales and 24 supported blocking bomb shipments. This represents a significant shift, as previous similar resolutions had gained support from a maximum of 18 Democrats.
Concerns over arming extremist Israeli ministers
A central element of Sanders’ opposition involves weapons potentially reaching forces controlled by far-right ministers. He has expressed particular alarm about rifles destined for police forces overseen by Itamar Ben-Gvir, whom Sanders describes as an extremist “convicted of support for terrorism by an Israeli court”. According to Sanders, Ben-Gvir has openly advocated for forcibly expelling Palestinians and has distributed weapons to “violent settlers in the West Bank”. This concern extends beyond immediate military operations to fears about escalating violence in occupied territories.
Violation of international law and U.S. complicity
Sanders has consistently framed his opposition in terms of American complicity, stating that U.S. taxpayers have spent “many billions of dollars in support of the racist, extremist Netanyahu government”. He estimates that Washington has provided more than $22 billion for Israel’s military operations since the conflict began. In Sanders’ view, this makes America directly complicit in what he describes as “war crimes carried out daily in plain view”. Consequently, he argues that continuing these arms sales would make the United States responsible for enabling policies he characterizes as ethnic cleansing through starvation and bombardment.
Criticism of Netanyahu and the Israeli Government
Senator Sanders has not minced words in his characterization of the Netanyahu government, labeling it as “extremist” and “racist” in numerous public statements.
Labeling Netanyahu’s actions as war crimes
Sanders has explicitly labeled Netanyahu a “war criminal,” citing the mass casualties and destruction in Gaza as evidence. On multiple occasions, he has referenced the International Criminal Court’s indictment of Netanyahu for war crimes. In one powerful statement, Sanders declared that Netanyahu “should not be welcome in the United States Congress”.
In addressing Netanyahu’s policies directly, Sanders stated, “It is not antisemitic to point out that in a little over six months your extremist government has killed 34,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 77,000 – seventy percent of whom are women and children”. He further emphasized that Netanyahu’s government has “completely destroyed more than 221,000 housing units in Gaza, leaving more than one million people homeless”.
Statements from Israeli officials supporting ethnic cleansing
Essential to Sanders’ criticism are direct quotes from Israeli officials that he cites as evidence of intentions to ethnically cleanse Gaza. Sanders has highlighted statements from Israeli ministers such as Amichay Eliyahu, who said: “All Gaza will be Jewish… the government is pushing for Gaza being wiped out. Thank God, we are wiping out this evil”.
Additionally, Sanders has referenced another Israeli Finance Minister who vowed that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed” and a Likud member of the Knesset who called for “Erasing all of Gaza from the face of the earth”. These statements, in Sanders’ view, reveal the true intentions behind Israel’s military campaign.
Bernie Sanders Stance on Israel, Netanyahu, and Far-right Ministers
Throughout the conflict, Sanders has drawn a sharp distinction between the Israeli people and what he terms “Netanyahu’s extremist government.” He has frequently called Netanyahu’s administration a “right-wing, extremist government” that should not receive “another nickel of US taxpayer support”.
In fact, Sanders has firmly declared that “American taxpayer dollars are being used to starve children, bomb civilians and support the cruelty of Netanyahu and his criminal ministers”. He has primarily focused his criticism on Netanyahu personally, arguing that the Prime Minister has “gone well beyond defending Israel from Hamas” and instead waged “an all-out, illegal, immoral and horrific war of annihilation against the Palestinian people”.
Sanders has been particularly vocal about his objection to honoring Netanyahu with a congressional address, asserting, “We should not be honoring people who use the starvation of children as a weapon of war”.
Public and Political Reactions to Bernie Sanders Stance on Israel
The political landscape surrounding Bernie Sanders stance on Israel reveals deep divisions across American society, with reactions varying dramatically between different constituencies.
Support from progressive groups and Jewish organizations
Progressive organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and If Not Now have rallied behind Sanders, organizing demonstrations and social media campaigns echoing his criticisms of Israel’s military campaign. Indeed, Sanders has received vocal support from Jewish groups that oppose Netanyahu’s policies, contradicting claims that criticism of Israel is inherently antisemitic.
Criticism from moderates and pro-Israel groups
Conversely, Sanders faces sharp rebuke from pro-Israel organizations such as AIPAC, which has labeled his positions as undermining Israel’s security. Meanwhile, moderate Democrats worry his outspoken criticism could alienate traditional Jewish donors and voters in key electoral states.
Polling data on American views of the war
Public opinion polls demonstrate growing alignment with Sanders’ perspective, as 55% of Americans now oppose sending additional military aid to Israel. Among Democrats, this opposition reaches 70%, showing significant support for Sanders’ position within his party.
Impact on Democratic Party divisions
The conflict has exposed fractures within the Democratic coalition, as younger progressives overwhelmingly support Palestinians, whereas older establishment figures maintain stronger pro-Israel stances. Nevertheless, Sanders’s willingness to challenge party orthodoxy has shifted the Overton window, making criticism of Israel increasingly acceptable in mainstream Democratic discourse.
Final Thoughts
Throughout the Israel-Gaza conflict, Bernie Sanders has emerged as a principled voice speaking truth to power. His opposition to Netanyahu’s policies reflects a consistent application of his long-held values rather than a shift in political positioning.
At the heart of Sanders’ stance lies a fundamental distinction between criticizing government actions and opposing a nation’s right to exist. He has repeatedly emphasized that his criticism of Israeli military operations does not equate to antisemitism, nor does it negate Israel’s right to security.
Sanders’ position has placed him at odds with mainstream Democratic leadership yet aligned with growing public sentiment. His willingness to challenge the traditional pro-Israel consensus represents both political risk and moral courage.
What sets Sanders apart from many critics is his decades-long record of principled positions. Unlike politicians who calibrate statements based on polling data, Sanders has maintained consistent views throughout his career, even when politically inconvenient.
The senator’s advocacy has helped create space for legitimate criticism of Israeli government actions within American political discourse. By framing his opposition in terms of human rights rather than geopolitics, Sanders has helped redefine the parameters of the debate around U.S. support for Israel’s military operations.
Ultimately, Sanders’ stance on Israel reflects his broader political philosophy—one that prioritizes human dignity over political expediency.
Curious about where other U.S. representatives stand on the Israel-Palestine conflict? Explore more profiles here.
FAQs
1. What is Bernie Sanders stance on Israel and Gaza?
Bernie Sanders has maintained a nuanced but increasingly critical stance toward Israel amid the war in Gaza. While he acknowledges Israel’s right to self-defense, he has strongly condemned Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military campaign for causing mass civilian casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe.
2. Does Bernie Sanders support Israel’s right to exist?
Yes. Sanders has consistently supported Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attack. However, he has drawn a firm line against indiscriminate military actions that harm civilians and violate international law.
3. Has Sanders condemned Hamas?
Absolutely. Sanders has repeatedly called Hamas a terrorist organization, condemned its October 7 attack on Israel, and emphasized that his criticism of Israeli policies is not an endorsement of Hamas.
4. Why is Bernie Sanders critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu?
Sanders has called Netanyahu’s government “racist” and “extremist”, accusing it of committing war crimes, including indiscriminate bombings, mass displacement, and starvation of civilians in Gaza. He opposes honoring Netanyahu in the U.S. Congress.
5. What legal basis does Sanders use to oppose U.S. arms sales to Israel?
Sanders cites the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act, both of which prohibit sending military aid to countries that block humanitarian aid or commit civilian atrocities. He has introduced resolutions to block arms sales based on these statutes.
6. What humanitarian concerns has Sanders raised about Gaza?
Sanders has spoken out about mass civilian deaths, collapse of health systems, and near-total infrastructure destruction in Gaza. He condemned the starvation of children, restricted aid, and targeting of hospitals as moral and legal violations.
7. Has Sanders taken legislative action in response to the crisis?
Yes. Sanders has introduced and supported resolutions to block offensive weapons sales, advocated for increased humanitarian funding, and used the Senate floor to highlight civilian suffering in Gaza.
8. What is Sanders’ concern about far-right Israeli ministers?
Sanders has warned that U.S. weapons might reach Israeli forces controlled by far-right extremists like Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has advocated violence and ethnic cleansing. Sanders argues this could escalate settler violence and deepen regional instability.
9. How have Americans and political groups responded to Sanders’ stance?
Progressive groups and many Jewish organizations have praised Sanders’ courage, while pro-Israel lobbies like AIPAC and some moderate Democrats have criticized him. Polls show growing public support for his positions, especially among Democrats.
10. Does Sanders believe criticizing Israel is antisemitic?
No. Sanders, himself Jewish, has strongly emphasized that criticism of Israeli government policies is not antisemitism. He argues that opposing war crimes and human rights violations is a moral responsibility, not a rejection of Israel’s right to exist.