Washington: US Sen. Bernie Sanders on Thursday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of influencing the US towards military action against Iran. Sanders labeled Netanyahu as an "extremist" responsible for significant violence and emphasized his role in pressuring US presidents for military interventions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sanders expressed his views on the social media platform X, highlighting Netanyahu's past actions and statements, including his support for the Iraq invasion and its consequences. Sanders linked these actions to the recent US-Iran conflict initiated on February 28. The conflict led to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top security officials. It also resulted in six US service members losing their lives, with others seriously injured. In retaliation, Iran has targeted Israel and other regional countries hosting US bases.

Netanyahu, however, dismissed the claims that Israel influenced the US to engage in the conflict with Iran. He described such allegations as 'ridiculous' and praised President Donald Trump as a strong leader who acts in America's best interest. In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu stated, "Donald Trump is the strongest leader in the world. He does what he thinks is right for America. He does also what he thinks is right for future generations."