A prominent Jewish leader within President Joe Biden’s party and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly for his handling of the Gaza conflict, which resulted in the deaths of over 32,000 Palestinians, proposing new elections to overthrow Netanyahu from power.
Schumer, who is not only the Senate's highest-ranking Democrat but also the most senior Jewish official in the United States, delivered his remarks from the Senate floor, emphasizing his longstanding relationship with Netanyahu but expressing deep concerns over the Israeli leader's prioritization of political survival over the best interests of Israel.
Schumer criticized Netanyahu for including far-right officials in his government and accused him of being too tolerant of the civilian toll in Gaza, which has eroded support for Israel globally.
Israel’s ruling Likud party released a statement defending the prime minister's public support, asserting that Israel is not akin to a "banana republic."
The statement went on to express disagreement with Schumer's views, stating that the Israeli public supports achieving a comprehensive victory over Hamas, opposes international interference in establishing a Palestinian state labelled as terrorist, and rejects the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. The party emphasized the importance of Senator Schumer respecting Israel's elected government, particularly in times of conflict.
Republican leaders in the US Senate echoed Likud's sentiments, emphasizing Israel's sovereignty and the importance of respecting its democratic processes. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Schumer's remarks as inappropriate interference in Israeli politics, highlighting the need to prioritize Israel's security and autonomy.
Schumer's break with Netanyahu comes amid mounting criticism from Democratic allies of President Biden over the civilian casualties in Gaza, which have surpassed 30,000 according to health authorities in the Hamas-run administration. Biden, who initially expressed support for Israel following a terror attack by Hamas in October, has faced backlash domestically, with protesters disrupting his speeches and backlash in the Democratic primaries.
In response to escalating tensions, Biden has called for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and initiated humanitarian aid efforts, including airdrops and plans for sea deliveries to alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis.
However, Schumer's shift underscores a broader re-evaluation of US-Israel relations, with the Senate leader advocating for a fresh debate on the future of Israel and a departure from Netanyahu's vision.
Netanyahu's cabinet, dominated by ultranationalists opposed to Palestinian statehood, faces internal and external pressures as the conflict in Gaza intensifies. The visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris and other lawmakers to meet with Benny Gantz, a prominent rival of Netanyahu, further underscores the political turbulence within Israel's leadership.