Hillary Clinton: "I love Israel - and I hate Netanyahu's government"

Hillary Clinton stated in an interview that she loves Israel but hates Netanyahu's government and its policies, comparing it to her attitude toward the Trump administration. Clinton called for adopting a policy of 'tough love' toward Israel, criticized Netanyahu's conduct, and expressed hope for change with a new government.

Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate, stated in an interview on the American program MS NOW that her support for Israel remains steadfast, but she hates Netanyahu's government and its policies. Clinton compared this to her attitude toward American politics: 'I love America, and I hate the Trump administration.' She called for adopting a policy of 'tough love' toward Israel – not to reject it but also not to automatically agree with every step of its government. Clinton then sharply criticized Netanyahu following a report published in Haaretz, which she described as 'shocking.' She said she does not know what his considerations were, but stated that 'if we're talking about a failure of imagination, it was a failure of leadership, a failure to protect Israeli citizens.' According to her, if the Israeli public chooses to keep Netanyahu in power, the United States should take a firmer stance. Clinton expressed hope that a different relationship could be built with a new government in Israel, noting that Netanyahu's departure 'would really make a difference,' but this also depends on the coalition's composition. As an example of change, she pointed to the need for decisive action against settler violence in the West Bank, which she said 'seeps into the entire society' and is dangerous for Israel.