Senator criticizes Pentagon chief over Israeli war guidance

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has rejected US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's assertion that further civilian casualties in Gaza could lead to even more Hamas fighters and a "strategic defeat" for Israel. for Israel.

He told CNN.

"Will a strategic defeat inflame the Palestinians? They are already angry. They are taught from birth to hate Jews and kill them," Graham said, urging Austin to stop publicly criticizing Israel.

The Republican senator characterized the Pentagon chief as "naive," saying that he had lost all confidence in him.

"Secretary Austin is telling Israel things that cannot be achieved. Minister, the reason Palestinians are dying is because Gaza is so densely packed that Hamas has tunnels under apartments, schools, hospitals," Graham said.

He added that he understands the theory that collateral damage to civilians during a war can be a catalyst for strengthening an insurgency, but pointed out that the population of Gaza "has been radicalized for decades."

"Do you know what they teach in (Gaza) schools? The idea that we or Israel are somehow radicalizing the people in Gaza is ridiculous," Graham emphasized.

The senator also criticized Saturday's statement by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris that "too many innocent Palestinians have been killed."

Author - Olena Madiak, 04/12/2023