Doris Matsui calls Netanyahu a war criminal, sidesteps Gaza genocide question
AIPAC’s political action committee reported two $5,000 contributions to Matsui’s campaign in January and February 2024
In a radio interview yesterday, Rep. Doris Matsui called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal when questioned about the ongoing Palestinian conflict.
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The comments were made on yesterday's Insight program on Capitol Public Radio. Program host Vicky Gonzalez asked Matsui, the 10-term Democrat representing California's 7th District, about one of many issues that have exposed significant fissures within the Democratic Party even as they are poised to win back the majority in the House of Representatives.
When asked, "Moving to the war in Gaza, would you call it genocide?"
Matsui responded (audio below) by saying the war was a humanitarian crisis and quickly pivoted to attacking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Netanyahu is a war criminal," she said. "What he's done in Gaza is criminal."
Matsui added that she cannot support more American tax dollars going to Israel and voted in support of the Massie Amendment. She did not, however, respond to the genocide charges.
The war in Gaza started after the October 11, 2023 attack by Hamas in Israel that killed over 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages. In response to the attacks and hostage situation, the Israeli military launched attacks in the Gaza Strip.
The conflict has developed a fissure within the Democratic Party. Establishment Democrats like Matsui have largely backed American support for Israeli incursions into Gaza, while the progressive wing of the party has long condemned the actions, noting the widespread deaths and injuries, and has characterized the actions against Palestinians as a genocide.
Separate from the race between Matsui and Vang, Matsui's comments reflect declining political support for Israel. Much of that criticism is also directed at the American Israel Political Action Committee - AIPAC - which itself has become another fissure for Democrats.
AIPAC’s political action committee reported two $5,000 contributions to Matsui’s campaign in January and February 2024.
