Nancy Pelosi teams up with Chuck Schumer to demand Netanyahu resign calling him an 'obstacle' to peace as Israel continues war in Gaza

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to a two-state solution and said he should resign.

She joins a growing list of prominent Democrats who have given blistering critiques of the Israeli leader or called for him to step down over his handling of the war in Gaza. 

'We recognize Israel's right to protect itself. We reject the policy and the practice of Netanyahu,' Pelosi said during an interview with Ireland's RTE News. 'What could be worse than what he has done in response?'

Pelosi called it 'terrible.' She said his intelligence official resigned but 'he should resign' since Netanyahu is 'ultimately responsible.'

The longtime California lawmaker was asked during the interview if Netanyahu is a 'block' to peace.

'Well he has been for years,' Pelosi said. 'I don't know whether he's afraid of peace, incapable of peace or just doesn't want peace.'

'He has been an obstacle to the two-state solution,' she added. 'I emphasize the word solution.'

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should resign in an interview with RTE News

Pelosi called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an 'obstacle to the two state solution'

Protesters in Tel Aviv demonstrating for a hostage deal with Hamas and against the Israeli Prime Minister on April 20, 2024

On Tuesday, the Senate voted to advance a foreign aid package that includes $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza.

Over the weekend, the House passed the bill ending a months long stalemate.

But despite supporting the aid for Israel in the wake of the terror attack by Hamas on October 7, some Democratic leaders have harshly criticized Netanyahu's leadership.

More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 77,000 have been wounded since Israel declared war in Gaza. 

Last month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the highest ranking Jewish official in the United States and a close ally of Israel, said he believes Israel should hold a new election once the war in Gaza winds down. 

He gave a scathing critique of Netanyahu, saying he put himself in a coalition with 'far-right extremists' and warned 'Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.'

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer on March 14 called for elections and new leadership in Israel because Benjamin Netanyahu is an 'obstacle to peace' in some of the most scathing U.S. criticism since the October 7 Hamas attack

Rubble from destroyed buildings in the southern Gaza strip on April 23, 2024

President Biden has also criticized Netanyahu's response in Gaza, calling his approach to the conflict a 'mistake.' 

But the Biden administration still remains committed to supporting aid for the United States' closest ally in the Middle East.

Democrats' criticism of the Israeli leader comes as protests have spread across the country over Israel's response.

On college campuses, pro-Palestinian protesters have been camping out and tensions continue to escalate.

At Columbia University, in-person classes to be moved online through the end of the Spring semester.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to head to Columbia on Wednesday to meet with Jewish students as some have expressed fear and feeling unsafe with the escalating vitriol reported on campuses.