Hillary Clinton Expresses Support for Israel, Disdain for Netanyahu Government

Former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton stated on Thursday that while her support for Israel remains strong, she harbors a deep aversion to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and its policies. Speaking in an interview with MS NOW, Clinton declared, "I love Israel, and I hate the Netanyahu government and its policies." She drew a parallel to her feelings about American politics, saying, "I love America, and I hate the Trump administration and its policies." Clinton believes that Netanyahu's current actions are detrimental to Israel, just as she views Trump's policies as "very bad for the United States."

Clinton advocated for a policy of "tough love" from Washington towards Israel, meaning not to reject Israel but also not to automatically endorse every action taken by its government. She criticized Netanyahu following a "shattering report" published in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which she described as a potential leadership and protection failure for Israeli citizens, though she acknowledged not knowing his specific considerations.

She suggested that if the Israeli public chooses to keep Netanyahu in power, the United States should adopt a more assertive stance. However, Clinton expressed hope for a renewed relationship with a different Israeli government, believing Netanyahu's departure would make a difference, contingent on the composition of any subsequent coalition.

As an example of the change she desires, Clinton pointed to the situation in the West Bank, stating, "I would hope a new prime minister would act forcefully against settler violence in the West Bank." She emphasized that such violence should not be immune, arguing it harms Palestinians and their property, corrodes Israeli society, and is dangerous for Israel. Clinton concluded that the U.S. should first observe the Israeli public's electoral choices before exploring a new approach with a new government.