Democratic Senator Tells CNN He Worries Netanyahu ‘Makes Decisions About His Military Campaigns’ To Influence U.S. Election

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) joined CNN’s Erin Burnett on Wednesday night to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel.

Burnett, who was broadcasting live from Tel Aviv, noted that Israel is fighting a multifront war, saying, “It is here. It’s not a matter of when. That’s the reality of the situation that we’re in.”

“And you’ve got 40,000 U.S. troops arrayed around this region. What happens could impact them, could impact the United States. So how much control does the U.S., does President Biden have over this situation right now?” Burnett asked the Democratic senator.

“Well listen, I think this is, you know, been an open question in part because Prime Minister Netanyahu is pursuing multiple objectives all at once. I don’t doubt that he cares about the security of Israel, but he seems to be guided on many days by his own political survival. We obviously thought we had the ability to obtain a cease fire with Hamas,’ Murphy replied, adding:

Hamas stood in the way of that agreement. But Prime Minister Netanyahu also seemed to believe that it would hurt his political interests to enter into that cease fire and prisoner exchange. What has to happen now is, first, a response by Israel and the United States. But second, we have to get on a path towards de-escalation.

I don’t think that these attacks on Israel can go without a response. But there already was a diplomatic process in place with Hezbollah. We have the opportunity after these limited ground incursions that Israel is making to get us on a path to peace and perhaps by achieving a cease-fire in the north with Hezbollah that might be able to stimulate further talks to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza.

“Do you worry, though, Senator, that do you worry, though, that that’s wishful thinking? I mean, there’s the de-escalation is not what we’re seeing happen here. I mean, that’s just the reality of it. Is that just is that just wishful thinking?” Burnett pushed back.

“Yeah. Listen, I certainly worry that Prime Minister Netanyahu is watching the American election as he makes decisions about his military campaigns in the north and in Gaza,” Murphy replied, adding:

I hope this is not true, but it is certainly a possibility that the Israeli government is not going to sign any diplomatic agreement prior to the American election as a means potentially to try to influence the result. I hope I’m wrong about that, but I don’t think you have to be a hopeless cynic to read some of Israel’s actions as some of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions as connected to the American election.

“Well, important words and heard loud and clear. Senator Chris Murphy, thank you very much. We appreciate your time as we cover this breaking news,” concluded Burnett.

Watch the clip above via CNN.