“He Has to Go”: Richard Gere Blames Netanyahu for Gaza War | WATCH

Hollywood actor and longtime human rights activist Richard Gere has ramped up his vocal opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of prolonging the Israel-Hamas war for personal gain and calling for his removal from power.

In recent statements, including at pro-Palestine events in London and elsewhere, Gere has described Netanyahu, as an "obstacle to peace" who should face imprisonment for corruption charges.

Speaking at the "Together for Palestine" benefit at Wembley Arena, where he helped raise $2 million for Palestinian aid (nothing for the hostages' families, though), Gere stated: "He has to go. This is not someone who can change. He has to go. And all the enablers in the coalition that he has together, they all have to go."

He further alleged that Netanyahu has extended the conflict to evade accountability, saying, "To keep himself out of jail, he's kept this war going & killed tens of thousands of people. There was no need. Innocent people, innocent women & children."

Gere, known for films like Pretty Woman and his advocacy on issues such as Tibetan independence, has likened Netanyahu to authoritarian leaders and condemned what he calls a "genocide" in Gaza. He has also advocated for the release of "good Palestinians" from Israeli prisons, portraying them as potential partners for peace rather than threats.

"There are actually very good people on the Palestinian side," Gere emphasized in one interview.

His comments have extended to U.S. politics, with Gere sharply criticizing President Donald Trump as a "dark presence" who has "almost destroyed the country."

This apparent contradiction aligns with Gere's broader call for U.S. intervention to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.Gere's activism builds on his earlier criticisms of Israeli policies, including a 2017 statement where he called settlements in Judea and Samaria and East Jerusalem an "absurd provocation" with "no defense."

His recent remarks have drawn backlash from pro-Israel advocates, who accuse him of whitewashing terrorism and ignoring Hamas's role in the conflict. One critic labeled him a "mouthpiece for terrorists," prompting calls for boycotts of his work.

As the Israel-Hamas war enters its third year, figures like Gere continue to use their platforms to spotlight the plight of Palestinians and say nothing about Hamas or the atrocities it committed or the 48 hostages languishing in terror tunnels deep under the ground.

Gere has not responded to recent criticisms.