Israel Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu was repeatedly put on the spot Sunday morning by CNN host Dana Bash who asked him if he accepted any responsibility for the Hamas attack on Israel that had plunged the region into war.
Toward the end of the extensive interview about the subsequent counter-attack on Gaza, the CNN host noted the criticism Netanyahu has been facing from Israeli citizens for being asleep at the wheel, which led to the prime minister pushing back and saying now is not the time for finger-pointing.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu, before I let you go, I know you've been asked this several times, but I have had multiple people inside Israel reach out to me knowing that I was going to interview you and say the one thing they want to hear from you is that you take personal responsibility for failing to prevent the October 7th attacks and protecting your people," the CNN host began.
"I know you say the time for that will come after the war. Why won't you take responsibility now?" she asked.
"I've already addressed that many times and I said this whole question will be addressed after the war," he replied which led Bash to shoot back, "Why not now?"
"Well, did people ask Franklin Roosevelt after Pearl Harbor that question? Did people ask George Bush after the surprise attack of November (sic) 11th?" he parried. "It's a question that needs to be asked."
"I think the question has been asked," Bash interrupted.
"I've said we're going to answer all these questions, including I'm going to be asked tough questions," he responded.
She later asked, "And to Israelis who are disappointed that you won't take responsibility, you said?"
"I said I'll answer all the questions required, including the questions of responsibility," he stated. "There will be enough time for that after the war. Let's focus on victory. That's my responsibility now."
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