US Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer has publicly called for Israel to hold elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the US government, made the remarks on Thursday, marking a sharp escalation in US criticism of Netanyahu’s government.
While leaders in Washington have typically avoided direct criticism of Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict in Gaza, Schumer’s statement represents a departure from this stance. He accused Netanyahu of losing his way and allowing his political survival to overshadow the best interests of Israel.
Schumer, a longtime supporter of Israel, warned that casualties in Gaza risk turning Israel into a “pariah” on the international stage.
During his address in the Senate, Schumer emphasized the need for Israel to make “course corrections” and take steps to better protect civilians in Gaza.
However, his comments drew swift reproach from Israeli leaders, with Netanyahu’s Likud party dismissing Schumer’s remarks and asserting that the prime minister’s policies enjoy widespread support among the Israeli populace.
Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Michael Herzog, also criticized Schumer’s statement, describing it as “unhelpful” and “counterproductive” to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally.
Schumer’s call for Israeli elections comes amid growing concerns within the Biden administration and among some members of his own party over Israel’s handling of the conflict.
While the United States remains Israel’s closest ally and largest provider of military aid, President Joe Biden and other Washington leaders have been under pressure to address the escalating violence in Gaza and its implications for regional stability.
With Biden facing political pressures in this presidential election year, Schumer’s call for Israeli elections underscores the complexities of the US-Israel relationship and the challenges of navigating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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