Bill Maher defends Israel's strike on Hamas, likening it to U.S. foreign policy

In the United States on September 12, 2025, Bill Maher made a notable statement on HBO's Real Time regarding Israel's military strike on Hamas in Qatar. He articulated his view that the military actions against terrorists, irrespective of their locations, align seamlessly with established U.S. foreign policy. Maher expressed his approval by stating, 'I think it was fine,' and questioned the prolonged war, suggesting that the objectives might have been achieved already and questioning the continued need for such aggressive military responses. He compared the situation to historical military actions, including the Civil War, where the annihilation of cities was seen as a necessary step to achieve a larger goal, thus presenting a parallel to the operations conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). He also noted the importance of confronting state-sponsored terrorism and highlighted how Israel's actions are a response to persistent threats from various countries in the region, including Iran, Lebanon, and Syria. Maher framed these military actions as a push against apparent hypocrisy, emphasizing that Israel had grown tired of being singled out under the scrutiny of international norms while others, like Iran and Hamas, were being less restricted. He referenced historic rhetoric from U.S. President George W. Bush post 9/11, which advocated for taking strong actions against both terrorists and their sponsors, positing that such a doctrine had received little to no objection. Maher questioned why there should be objections to similar strategies being employed by Israel, significantly in light of historical context. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of military strategies involving targeted strikes and the international community's reactions. The dialogue showcased a stark reflection of differing opinions regarding military intervention against terrorism and raised questions about the moral and ethical considerations involved in such conflicts, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.