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Chuck Schumer, the Majority Leader of the US Senate and one of Joe Biden’s closest allies, called for parliamentary elections in Israel, marking one of Washington’s harshest responses yet to Benjamin Netanyahu’s Gaza attacks.
Schumer, also the highest-ranking Jewish citizen in the United States, changed his stance towards Netanyahu on Thursday as he attempted to pass a military aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Biden stated that these three countries are the highest national security priority for the United States.
In his speech before the Senate, Schumer mentioned his long-standing connection to Netanyahu, stating, „But now he is trying to protect his own political career instead of Israel’s interests.“
Schumer pointed out the presence of many right-wing officials in the Netanyahu government, saying, „Netanyahu is very open to tolerating the loss of civilian lives in Gaza, which reduces support for Israel to the lowest level in the world. Israel cannot survive if it is isolated.“
In this context, Schumer expressed his opinion that parliamentary elections should be held again in Israel. The Senate President said, „Netanyahu’s coalition does not meet Israel’s needs after October 7. The world has changed radically since that date.“
Reactions from Israel and Washington
Netanyahu’s Likud party claimed that the Prime Minister enjoys significant public support and stated that „Israel is not a banana republic.“
The party’s statement read, „Contrary to Schumer’s words, public opinion in Israel supports a decisive victory against Hamas, rejects international pressure to establish a Palestinian terrorist state, and opposes the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.“
Israel’s ruling party said, „Senator Schumer is expected to respect the elected Israeli government and not undermine it. This is always the case, especially in times of war.“
A similar statement was made by Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. McConnell said, „Israel is not a colony of the United States, its leaders do not act according to the whims of the ruling party in Washington. Only the Israeli people should decide who will be in power.“
Shortly after Schumer, McConnell said in the Senate, „Either we respect their decisions, or we disrespect democracy.“
Mike Johnson, Chairman of the House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress, who blocked the vote on the aid package passed by the Senate, also criticized Schumer’s words as „highly inappropriate“ and accused him of „playing a divisive role in Israeli politics.“
Schumer’s statement indicates that the gap between US leader Biden and Netanyahu has begun to widen at a time when the White House is increasingly concerned about civilian casualties in Gaza.
Schumer was one of Israel’s valuable allies on Capitol Hill and visited Israel after the October 7 attacks. The Senate Majority Leader’s departure reflects a shift in perspective on the war in Gaza, particularly among Democratic Party officials.
T24