Sanders Calls for US to End Complicity in 'Netanyahu's Wars' in Lebanon and Iran

The senator says the US cannot continue to be complicit as Israel bombs Lebanon and Iran.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:05am

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Sen. Bernie Sanders has called on the US to end its complicity in the wars being waged by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pointing to not only the joint assault on Iran but also Israel's bombing of Lebanon. Sanders stressed that "the US cannot continue to be complicit in Netanyahu's wars," noting that in less than two weeks, Israel has killed 570 people and displaced 750,000 in Lebanon - over 10% of the entire country.

Why it matters

Sanders' comments highlight the growing concerns over the US's close ties with Israel and its support for Netanyahu's aggressive military actions in the region. The senator has previously criticized and attempted to curb US complicity in Netanyahu's attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, and now he is calling for the US to distance itself from the Israeli leader's wars in Lebanon and Iran.

The details

Just a day after criticizing Trump and Netanyahu for their "unraveling [of] international law, the Geneva Conventions, and the legitimacy of the United Nations" with their illegal war on Iran, Sanders stressed that "it's not just Iran." He noted that since the US and Israel began bombing Iran, Israel has also ramped up attacks against its northern neighbor Lebanon, claiming to target the Lebanese political and paramilitary group Hezbollah. Despite a November 2024 ceasefire deal, Israeli forces have continued to slaughter civilians in Lebanon, killing 570 people and displacing 750,000 in less than two weeks.

  • On March 11, 2026, Sanders criticized Trump and Netanyahu for their "unraveling [of] international law, the Geneva Conventions, and the legitimacy of the United Nations" with their illegal war on Iran.
  • On March 12, 2026, Sanders stressed that "it's not just Iran" and pointed to Israel's bombing of Lebanon.

The players

Sen. Bernie Sanders

A U.S. senator from Vermont who has been critical of the U.S.'s close ties with Israel and its support for Netanyahu's aggressive military actions in the region.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who has been leading the country's military operations in Lebanon and Iran.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who Sanders says has been complicit in Netanyahu's wars.

Hezbollah

A Lebanese political and paramilitary group that Israel has claimed to be targeting in its attacks on Lebanon.

Hamas

The Palestinian political and paramilitary group that led an attack on Israel in October 2023, which prompted Israeli retaliation and a ceasefire deal in November 2024.

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What they’re saying

“The US cannot continue to be complicit in Netanyahu's wars.”

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (commondreams.org)

“In less than two weeks, Israel has killed 570 people and displaced 750,000—over 10% of the entire country. Residential buildings are being bombed with no warning.”

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (commondreams.org)

What’s next

The Lebanese government has proposed direct negotiations with Israel through the Trump administration, aimed at ending the war and reaching a peace agreement. However, Israel has so far rejected these diplomatic overtures, saying it will only negotiate "under fire."

The takeaway

Sanders' comments highlight the growing concerns over the US's close ties with Israel and its support for Netanyahu's aggressive military actions in the region, which have had devastating consequences for civilians in Lebanon and Gaza. The senator is calling for the US to distance itself from these "Netanyahu's wars" and pursue a more balanced and principled foreign policy in the Middle East.