Former National Security Director Criticizes Biden Over Response to Israel-Hamas Conflict

Former National Security director John Bolton criticized President Joe Biden for his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict during a radio interview that will air on Sunday.

Appearing on "The Cats Roundtable" with John Catsimatidis, Bolton claimed the president, who has maintained vocal support for Israel since the conflict began, has tried to "prevent Israel from eliminating Hamas."

Bolton also said he thinks Israel is "entitled" to "punish" Hamas after the militant group's Oct. 7 surprise attack on the country.

"There comes a point when a country is allowed to defend itself," Bolton said, later adding that "constant nitpicking and second-guessing" does not solve "the terrorism problem."

Before its temporary ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israel drew scrutiny over its military approach towards the conflict, which included a barrage of airstrikes and a ground invasion in Gaza.

It was not the first time Bolton vocalized criticism over Biden's approach to the conflict. Bolton also criticized the hostage deal and called efforts to extend the ceasefire agreement "objectively pro-Hamas."