Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated in a September 10, 2026 interview with MS NOW’s Morning Joe that she loves Israel and the American people but strongly opposes the governments of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing their policies as detrimental to both nations.
Clinton’s remarks came during a discussion on Middle East peace efforts and regional stability. She emphasized that while her criticism was directed at the leadership, her affection for the people and nations remained unchanged. "I have said repeatedly I love Israel and I hate Netanyahu’s government and his policies. I love America, and I hate Trump’s government and policies," Clinton stated. "I think it’s bad, in the first case for Israel, what’s happening, and I think it’s really bad for the United States, what’s happening."
Criticism of Netanyahu’s Leadership
Clinton referenced a reported warning from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) of the UAE to Netanyahu ahead of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, suggesting Netanyahu may have ignored or even welcomed the intelligence to justify a military response. "Either he didn’t believe it or—it’s horrible to say—he wanted to see what they could plan so that then he could come down hard and it would enhance his position," she said. "This was a failure of leadership. This was a failure of protecting the people of Israel."
Clinton’s comments implied that Netanyahu’s inaction or strategic calculus contributed to the scale of the attacks, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and regional escalation. She suggested that if Israeli voters re-elect Netanyahu, the U.S. should adopt a tougher stance toward his government.
Backing Trump’s Gaza Policy
In contrast to her criticism of Trump’s domestic policies, Clinton endorsed the Trump administration’s approach to Gaza, calling it the ‘only game in town’ amid ongoing conflict. A White House official told Fox News Digital that Trump maintains a strong relationship with Netanyahu and highlighted Israel’s role as a key U.S. ally, particularly during Operation Epic Fury, which targeted Iranian military capabilities.
The official noted that the U.S.-Israel partnership remained robust despite political disagreements, framing Trump’s Gaza strategy as a pragmatic response to regional security threats.
Reactions and Context
Clinton’s remarks reflect a divisive political moment, with her comments drawing attention to the tensions between personal support for nations and opposition to their current governments. Her critique of Netanyahu aligns with broader international scrutiny over Israel’s preparedness for the October 7 attacks, while her partial endorsement of Trump’s Gaza policy contrasts with progressive Democratic criticism of his administration’s Middle East policies.
The interview occurred amid ongoing debates over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, including discussions on military aid, diplomatic relations, and the feasibility of a two-state solution. Clinton’s statements add to the polarized discourse surrounding U.S.-Israel relations and the future of Netanyahu’s leadership.