'Painfully stupid conversation': Outrage as Bill Maher defends Netanyahu amid war crimes allegations during heated 'The View' exchange

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bill Maher made a notable appearance on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, episode of ABC's 'The View', engaging in vigorous debates with the hosts on various contentious topics, prominently the Israel-Hamas conflict.

After a relatively calm beginning, Maher injected a remark about the historical animosity toward Jews by conservatives, leading to a heated discussion about the ongoing Middle East conflict and the recent International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bill Maher defends Israel's actions amid criticism on 'The View'

Sunny Hostin wasted no time in questioning Maher's stance by asking, "Are you at all concerned about the innocent civilians that have been collectively punished and murdered? Largely children and women? Aren’t you at all concerned about the fact that the International Criminal Court just today issued a subpoena for Bibi Netanyahu?"

Maher's response was swift and firm. He argued, "Well, that’s ridiculous, but it’s a war."

"Why?" Hostin asked about his stance on Hamas's destruction.

Maher said, "Because it’s a war. And they were attacked, and they’re defending themselves. Now, this is a war. Do you think Hamas needs to be destroyed? This is the question."

Hostin replied affirmatively, "Yes."

Maher stands firm on Hamas's destruction amid calls for ceasefire

As Alyssa Farah Griffin raised the question of achieving Hamas's destruction while advocating for a ceasefire, "So, how do we do that with a ceasefire?"

Maher reiterated his position. He characterized Hamas as a terrorist organization bent on the genocide of the Jewish people and emphasized their repeated attacks on Israel. 

He said, “All right, so Hamas needs to be destroyed because they are a terrorist organization who have, who say openly that they want to commit genocide on the Jewish people, on the state of Israel. That’s what 'from the river to the sea' means. Okay?"

He continued, " And they say it very openly. They said, 'We did this attack.' They’ve attacked the Israel five times. They’ve started five wars since they were given that land back. They could have chosen to turn that place into any place they wanted to. And they took a lot of money that they took from the international community, and they spent it on bombs and guns and building tunnels. So if they need to be destroyed, how do we do that? It’s a war. I don’t know how to do that, and you don’t know how to do that. I assume the Israeli Defense–”

Calls for ceasefire prompt debate on civilian casualties in Israel-Hamas conflict

Hostin interrupted him and asked, "But are you concerned about the innocent lives?"

Maher replied, "Of course, everybody is, but that’s what happens in a war. Here’s a way to stop that: stop attacking Israel."

Joy Behar echoed Maher's sentiment, condemning Hamas's calls for the annihilation of Israel and its citizens. She remarked, "And stop calling for the annihilation of Israel and the Jews."

People divided over Bill Maher's statements on Israel-Hamas conflict

The diverse reactions to Bill Maher's comments on 'The View' underscore the deep-seated divisions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

One social media user commented on the view, "Anyone else notice that when Bill Maher said “ Here’s a way to do that. Stop attacking Israel”, only 2/5 women clapped. This show is ridiculous!!!"

Another added, "I am not a Bill Maher fan, anymore!"

One person commented, "I thought Benjamin Netanyahu said from the river to the sea also. It's like ppl just hear what they want."

Another replied, "Many people refuse to use the excuse “that’s just war” when it comes to the innocent lives lost."

One individual noted, "They seemed to be walking on eggshells talking to this guy."

Another added, "This is a painfully stupid conversation, Maher is a clown."

One person wrote, "Sorry but Bill has changed so he can fill up his pocket!"

Another replied, "He is not funny. He does not represent anything other than himself, a multimillionaire who knows nothing about the day to day struggles Americans are dealing with. People who oppose the war in Gaza do not hate Jews. He was not a funny comedian, so how has he morphed into an expert on anything?"

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