Bernie Sanders Rejects the Idea of a Permanent Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas: ‘They Want To Destroy Israel’

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) explained on CBS’ Face The Nation why he disagrees with his progressive Democratic colleagues on a ceasefire in the Gaza region, claiming ‘Israel has the right to defend itself.’

During a Sunday interview, anchor Margaret Brennan asked the Vermont senator why he supports Israel in not signing a permanent ceasefire with Hamas. Brennan noted that his stance is not supported by some of his closest progressive allies, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).

Sanders responded by clarifying he supports the now-vetoed United Nation resolution earlier this week for a ceasefire in order to see all hostages released by Hamas and result in more humanitarian aid coming into Gaza. However, he added that a permanent ceasefire should be off the table because Hamas “wants to destroy Israel.”

SANDERS: Well, first of all, I strongly support and wish and hope that the United States will support the United Nations resolution that was vetoed, that we vetoed the other day. That was a humanitarian course, united period fire that would advise we call for the release of all of the hostages held by Hamas and would allow the U.N. and other agencies to begin to supply the enormous amount of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. In terms of a permanent ceasefire, I don’t know how you can have a permanent ceasefire, when Hamas who has said before October 7th and after September 7th, that they want to destroy Israel. They want a permanent war. I don’t know how you have a permanent ceasefire with an attitude like that.

BRENNAN: Okay. So the war you’re saying against Hamas is justified in that way?

SANDERS: I think Israel has the right to defend itself and to go after Hamas, but not the Palestinian people.

Watch the full segment above via CBS News.