Wendy Sherman Says Netanyahu Led US Toward Genocide
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- Wendy Sherman told Bloomberg in late April that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “led” the United States down the road to “genocide” in Gaza, and she added she lacked the legal qualifications to determine if Gaza’s destruction meets the legal definition of genocide.
- Wendy Sherman also said she remains a “strong supporter” of Israel, illustrating the balancing act of criticizing policy while affirming allegiance.
- Gavin Newsom on a podcast described Israel as “sort of an apartheid state,” later regretted the comment and said he “revered” Israel and was “proud to support” it.
- Data for Progress poll cited by Ryan O’Donnell found that more than 70% of Democratic primary voters think the United States should restrict military aid to Israel until it stops attacking civilians, supports Palestinian rights, and commits to a long‑term peace process.
- International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for top Israeli leaders over war crimes, and a 2025 UN Commission of Inquiry report concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
- Rahm Emanuel called for ending taxpayer‑funded U.S. military aid to Israel, arguing that Israel, as a wealthy nation, should purchase American weapons on commercial terms like any other ally.
- Yousef Munayyer noted that the Democratic shift on Israel accelerated after the 2023 Gaza war, leaving “understood boundaries” unclear and prompting politicians to test how far they can go in supporting or condemning Israel.
Why it matters: The statement by a high‑ranking former Biden official validates the growing Democratic appetite for harsher scrutiny of Israel, giving policymakers a political foothold to push for aid restrictions and accountability, while Israel faces heightened diplomatic pressure and potential loss of U.S. funding.
