Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sharply criticised the policies and decisions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the country’s upcoming election. She urged the United States to take a tougher stance against him if he wins the new election and returns to power.
Clinton clarified her position in a recent interview on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe” programme. She said: “I have said this repeatedly — I love Israel, but I strongly dislike Netanyahu’s government and his policies. In the same way, I love my own country, America, but I simply cannot accept Donald Trump’s government and its actions. What is happening in Israel is harmful to that country’s future, and it is also quite concerning for the United States.”
In the interview, Clinton also said Washington’s policy needs to be tougher if Netanyahu returns to power. However, she said the United States would be able to work with a new Israeli leadership much more easily and effectively.
Clinton’s remarks have sparked fresh debate amid intense competition in Israeli politics. Recent opinion polls show opposition parties somewhat ahead of Netanyahu’s coalition, though neither side is securing the majority needed to form a government on its own.
Netanyahu is preparing to take the prime minister’s seat for what would be a seventh term. However, his current coalition has become quite shaky amid one political challenge after another. He is now relying heavily on the support of his allies to hold onto his seat.