In a strong critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) labeled him a “maniac” who “needs” to be ousted from office during comments made on Saturday.
The progressive Democrat began by addressing the Biden administration’s decision to transfer 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and 25 F-35A fighter jets to Israel without prior notification to lawmakers. This arms package was exclusively reported by the Washington Post on Friday.
Bowman asserted that Congress should have “absolutely” received notification regarding this transfer. He went on to condemn Israel’s conduct in the war and the rising civilian casualties in Gaza, asserting that Netanyahu is obstructing peace efforts in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
“Through acts of collective punishment by this maniac, Benjamin Netanyahu, the majority of Gaza has already been destroyed,” Bowman stated during an interview with MSNBC’s Alex Witt on Saturday.
“I completely align with Senator Schumer. He needs to be removed. He stands in the way of peace. Our focus should be on humanitarian aid, not weapons, and we need a ceasefire immediately.”
Referencing comments made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) two weeks prior, Bowman noted Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel and his criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Reiterating his demand for a ceasefire and increased aid delivery, Bowman characterized the ongoing situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian crisis.” “We currently have hundreds of thousands of children starving to death in Gaza, and most Americans support a permanent ceasefire,” Bowman remarked.
“The majority of my district backs a permanent ceasefire. We need to facilitate the entry of hundreds of trucks filled with aid, just five miles from Gaza, to save as many lives as possible. There’s a humanitarian crisis revealing.”
