“Benjamin Netanyahu is standing in the way of a ceasefire agreement,” Congressman Ami Bera told NDTV.
Arab countries have agreed to recognize Israel as a state for the first time, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “disappointing” because he has not accepted a ceasefire that would guarantee peace returned to Gaza, Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera said.
“Benjamin Netanyahu is standing in the way of a ceasefire agreement,” Congressman Bera told NDTV in an exclusive interview.
Speaking about the long process of reaching a ceasefire agreement, Congressman Bera said: “I am also disappointed. You need to get both Hamas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the table. And I am disappointed in Prime Minister Netanyahu. He has to accept the ceasefire agreement, and we have to release the hostages.”
He highlighted the fact that Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries are willing to change relations with Israel and recognize it as a country, calling it a “wonderful” development. But he said it would only start with a ceasefire and the start of discussions on a two-state solution. “Prime Minister Netanyahu is the one who stands in the way of that,” Mr. Bera said.
Ami Bera, who is serving his sixth consecutive term, is the oldest and longest-serving Indian-American congressman in the House.
He is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Select Committee on Intelligence.
The congressman also outlined Vice President Kamala Harris's position on the Gaza crisis and what steps she might take if she were elected president in the November election. “Vice President Harris has spoken about the tragedy of October 7th, as well as the tragic loss of civilian life since October 7th. She, like President Biden, understands the importance of a ceasefire and bringing the hostages home.”
Mr. Bera said she stressed the importance of both a safe life for Jews in Israel and a dignified and peaceful life for Palestinians.
The nearly year-long war in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people, while months of talks brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the US have failed to stop the conflict between Hamas and Israel.