Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called for Washington to adopt a tougher position toward Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns to power following the country’s October 27 election.
In an interview with MS NOW, Clinton also delivered a strong criticism of President Donald Trump’s administration, arguing that recent US foreign policy decisions have weakened America’s standing around the world.
Clinton said she believes the United States has moved away from acting as a serious global power and warned that some of the administration’s decisions could make the country more dangerous.
“I love America, and I hate Trump’s government and policies,” Clinton said, while also criticizing Netanyahu and his government.
Clinton Wants Washington to Rethink Its Approach
Clinton said the Trump administration has taken positions that she considers damaging to US interests and international relations.
She argued that America’s current position on the global stage reflects what she described as a series of misguided policy choices.
The former secretary of state, who lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump, said she strongly disagrees with the direction taken by his administration.
Her comments also extended to Israel, where she suggested that the US should reconsider its relationship with Netanyahu depending on the outcome of the upcoming election.
Tougher US Policy If Netanyahu Returns
Clinton said Washington should take a “very tough position” if Israeli voters decide to keep Netanyahu in office.
She argued that the United States should be prepared to work with a different Israeli government if Netanyahu is replaced after the election.
Clinton’s comments reflect growing debate in Washington over the future of US-Israel relations and the role the United States should play in influencing Israeli policy.
She said the election would provide an opportunity to determine whether a new political direction is possible.
Clinton Raises Questions About October 7 Warnings
During the interview, Clinton also discussed the circumstances surrounding the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
She referred to reports that United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu ahead of the attack that Hamas was preparing an assault.
Clinton said she could not know exactly how Netanyahu interpreted the alleged warning, but questioned whether the information was taken seriously enough.
She described the events as a failure of leadership and said the Israeli government had a responsibility to protect its citizens.
Clinton acknowledged that she did not know what Netanyahu was thinking at the time, but argued that the failure to prevent the attack represented a major breakdown in judgment.
Calls for Action Against West Bank Settler Violence
Clinton also focused on violence involving Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
She said a future Israeli prime minister should take stronger action against attacks targeting Palestinians and argued that those responsible should not receive immunity.
According to Clinton, the issue extends beyond individual incidents involving deaths, injuries or property damage.
She warned that continued violence could also have serious consequences for Israeli society and security.
Clinton described the situation as deeply unfair to Palestinians while arguing that it could ultimately become dangerous for Israel as well.
Israel Election Could Shape US Policy
The October 27 Israeli election could therefore become an important factor in the future direction of Washington’s Middle East policy.
Clinton said the United States should first see what Israeli voters decide before determining how to approach the country’s next government.
If Netanyahu remains prime minister, she suggested that Washington should be prepared to take a significantly tougher position.
If a new government takes power, Clinton said the United States could potentially work with it on a different approach to regional security and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Clinton Also Discusses Democrats and Socialism
The former secretary of state also addressed debates within the Democratic Party, including the growing influence of socialist ideas among some members.
Clinton argued that politicians should be willing to defend the positions they have adopted rather than avoid difficult political arguments.
She said a clearer defense of policy positions could ultimately benefit both the Democratic Party and the country.
Her remarks come as Democrats continue debating their political direction and how the party should respond to changing voter priorities ahead of future US elections.
