Beto O'Rourke says Benjamin Netanyahu is a 'racist'

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, calling him a "racist" and saying his promise to annex Israeli settlements in the West Bank if he wins re-election "will make peace in the long term impossible."

O'Rourke was asked about his policy toward Israel and Palestinian relations during a town hall at the University of Iowa. Netanyahu made his pledge on Saturday, in an attempt to drum up support from right-wing voters ahead of Tuesday's general election. O'Rourke said he supports a two-state solution, and criticized Netanyahu for joining forces with "far-right parties who are inherently racist in their speech and the way that they want to treat their fellow human beings in that part of the world."

Later, O'Rourke point-blank told reporters Netanyahu is a "racist." He also had sharp words for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, The Washington Post reports, saying he has "not been faithful in pursuing peace" and has been unable to "bring his side to the table to negotiate in good faith."

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