Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 10, 2024 6:21 pm GMT
Hillary Clinton Criticizes Netanyahu and Highlights Campus Tensions Over Gaza Conflict
WASHINGTON – Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s new book, set to be published on Tuesday, delivers a pointed critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding his response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2022. In “Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty,” Clinton contends that Netanyahu has shown “zero responsibility” for the violence that has engulfed the region and expresses her disappointment over the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
Clinton’s Critique of Netanyahu
In her book, Clinton draws a stark contrast between Netanyahu and former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, highlighting Meir’s readiness to accept accountability during a pivotal moment in Israeli history. “She accepted a commission of inquiry into the failures that led to the Yom Kippur war and resigned from office,” Clinton reflects. “Netanyahu, by contrast, has taken zero responsibility and refuses to call an election, let alone step down.”
The October 7 attack resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths in Israel, followed by a significant escalation of violence in Gaza—a conflict that has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 41,000 Palestinians. With international pressure mounting, the U.S. and its allies have struggled to negotiate a ceasefire, and several hostages remain in Hamas’s custody.
Hillary Clinton’s Reflections on Campus Protests
The book also addresses the recent surge of pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses, particularly at Columbia University, where Clinton currently teaches. Following the Hamas attack, she described the campus atmosphere as “tense with shock and grief”. While she acknowledges that many protesters were “earnestly heartbroken,” she expressed concern over those attendees who appeared to use the situation to promote antisemitic rhetoric.
Clinton recounts her experience leading discussions with students, emphasizing her surprise at their lack of historical knowledge regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In particular, she mentioned that she received “blank stares” when discussing historical peace offers made to the Palestinian leadership, notably a proposal her husband, Bill Clinton, put forward in 2000, which could have led to Palestinian statehood.
Striking a Balance in Discussions
Clinton emphasizes the importance of constructive dialogue in addressing such complex issues. Together with Keren Yarhi-Milo, the dean of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, she arranged discussions aimed at exploring the multifaceted perspectives surrounding the conflict. Clinton noted moments during these discussions that troubled her, such as questions challenging the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization while not extending the same label to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
As protests grew in frequency and intensity across many universities, Clinton found herself at the center of controversy, with some students staging sit-ins outside her classes in response to her views on the conflict. Despite facing opposition, she recognises the vitality of student activism and urges them to focus on informed protests with clear aims and coalition-building strategies.
Reflections on Historical Events
In her narrative, Clinton parallels current events with her past experiences, including the 2011 protests in Egypt that led to the ousting of dictator Hosni Mubarak. She recalls meeting Egyptian students who were passionate about their cause but lacked a comprehensive plan for the future, ultimately resulting in an unstable transition.
Clinton’s observations provide insight into the dynamics of political protests, noting that successful movements tend to be well-informed and organized. She highlights recent protests in Israel that successfully challenged Netanyahu’s efforts to undermine judicial independence, underscoring the power of civic engagement when it is strategically planned.
Calls for Accountability and Future Governance
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to elicit strong reactions from global leaders and citizens alike. In her new book, Clinton reiterates her belief that Netanyahu should step down from office, a stance she previously voiced on various platforms, including MSNBC. Her portrayal of Netanyahu’s governance as devoid of accountability raises critical questions about leadership during times of crisis.
Clinton’s thoughts on democratic resilience do not merely apply to foreign nations but resonate within the U.S. as well. She encourages active, informed participation from citizens and students, advocating for a nuanced understanding of both international and domestic politics.
Conclusion: Hillary Clinton’s Broader Reflections
“Something Lost, Something Gained” is not just a critique of current political figures; it also serves as a reflection on past events and the lessons learned from them. Clinton’s comprehensive narratives encompass themes of responsibility, historical awareness, and the importance of maintaining civil discourse amid intense political strife.
As the world faces tough problems in the Middle East and other places, Clinton’s ideas can help readers learn how to talk about important topics like responsibility and leadership.
