Bernie Sanders slams US role in ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ says Netanyahu should not set foreign policy

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Bernie Sanders strongly criticized US involvement in the Middle East after the start of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28.

In a post on X, Sanders accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pushing the region toward a larger conflict.

He also suggested that US policy during Donald Trump's presidency has been too closely tied to Israel’s current government.

Criticism of funding and broader conflict

The Vermont independent, who caucuses with Democrats, argued that American foreign policy decisions must be driven by the will of the American people, not by what he characterized as the agenda of Israel’s 'right-wing extremist' government.

“The United States gave Netanyahu over $24 billion in taxpayer dollars to fund his horrific war in Gaza.”

Sanders noted that over $24 billion in US taxpayer money has gone to Israel for its military efforts in Gaza, funding he has always opposed.

He called the war ‘horrific’ and stated that this financial support has led to more escalation in the region.

Bernie Sanders claims Trump gave Netanyahu a war

According to Sanders, that support was 'not enough' for Netanyahu's government.

He argues that the government wanted a direct confrontation with Iran.

'Operation Epic Fury', which includes coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, marks a significant increase in military involvement in the region.

“That wasn't enough. Netanyahu wanted war with Iran. Trump gave him one. The American people — not Netanyahu’s right-wing government — should determine US foreign policy.”

The senator has long warned against deepening US military entanglements in the Middle East, citing the human and financial toll of previous wars.

He reiterated that position in his latest remarks, framing the new campaign as another example of Washington becoming embroiled in prolonged conflict.

The criticism arises during a larger discussion in Washington about the extent of US support for Israel and how much American policy should reflect the strategic aims of Netanyahu’s government.

Some lawmakers support the joint operation as vital for countering Iranian aggression and maintaining regional stability. Others, like Sanders, believe it could drag the United States into another prolonged war.

Sanders has urged Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over war powers. He stresses that decisions regarding military action should involve thorough debate and public accountability.

His remarks highlight the increasing divisions in Congress regarding the US strategy in the Middle East. There is debate over whether the latest military campaign is a needed display of strength or a risky move toward a broader, possibly long-term war.