Biden’s deputy secretary of state: Netanyahu helped ‘create a genocide in Gaza’

Wendy Sherman, who served as deputy secretary of state for much of former US president Joe Biden’s administration, accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being responsible for the perpetration of a genocide in Gaza.

Speaking to Bloomberg’s The Mishal Husain Show, Sherman says, “I think that it is critical that Israel remain an ally of the United States, and that we protect the right of a Jewish state.”

“But I also believe that the prime minister has led us down a road — and we have been part of it that has, in essence — created a genocide in Gaza that has destabilized the Middle East,” Sherman adds.

Sherman later appears to walk back the allegation.

“I can’t make the legal analysis about whether it is literally a genocide. But there is no doubt that Gaza was demolished. Palestinians deserve a home and dignity and peace. And Israel absolutely deserves security and peace.”

While most Biden officials have expressed significant frustration with Israel’s prosecution of the war in Gaza, they have refrained from lodging accusations of genocide.

The remarks by Sherman indicate an ongoing shift within the Democratic Party regarding where such rhetoric of Israel is becoming increasingly mainstream.

Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State under Joe Biden, Wendy Sherman:

I believe that Netanyahu has led us down a road, and we have been part of it.

That has, in essence, created a genocide in Gaza, that has destabilized the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/GSeOTwXGwV

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 27, 2026