US Senator Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, criticises Netanyahu
US Senator Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, criticises Netanyahu
Washington: US Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer severely criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a barrier to peace on Thursday and demanded fresh elections in Israel.
Five months into a conflict that started on October 7 with strikes on Israel by Hamas militants, Democrat Chuck Schumer—long a defender of Israel and the highest-ranking Jewish public figure in the US—told the Senate that Netanyahu's government "no longer fits the needs of Israel".
Israel has the right to select its own leaders since it is a democracy, and we ought to let the dice fall where they may. The fact that Israelis have an option, though, is crucial. After October 7, there should be a new discussion over Israel's future," Schumer stated.
Five months into a conflict that started on October 7 with strikes on Israel by Hamas militants, Democrat Chuck Schumer—long a defender of Israel and the highest-ranking Jewish public figure in the US—told the Senate that Netanyahu's government "no longer fits the needs of Israel".
Israel has the right to select its own leaders since it is a democracy, and we ought to let the dice fall where they may. The fact that Israelis have an option, though, is crucial. After October 7, there should be a new discussion over Israel's future," Schumer stated.
Schumer encouraged Israel's negotiators to make every effort to establish a truce, free detainees, and send aid into Gaza, saying that it would be a "grave mistake" for Israel to reject a two-state solution.
Given the effects of Washington's unwavering support for Israel on Palestinian people, prominent Democrats like Senator Chuck Schumer and Vice President Joe Biden are subject to harsh criticism from their own party.
John Kirby, the White House's national security spokesperson, stated that although Schumer had informed the White House ahead of time about the speech, it had not been altered or approved in any way.
"We fully respect his right to say those remarks and decide for himself what he's going to say on the Senate floor," Kirby stated to reporters.
When asked if Washington believed that Israel ought to conduct elections following the conflict, Kirby replied, "That's up to the Israelis."
According to a representative from the Israeli prime minister's office, "no comment for now." The Likud party, led by Netanyahu, claimed that the public supported Netanyahu's policies and that Israel was not a banana republic.
"Contrary to Schumer's words, the Israeli public supports a total victory over Hamas, rejects any international dictates to establish a Palestinian terrorist state, and opposes the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza," the statement read.
Senator Schumer is anticipated to uphold rather than undermine Israel's democratically elected government. In times of war, this is especially true.
Following a rapid attack on Israel on October 7, in which Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 253 more, according to Israeli counts, the conflict broke out. According to officials in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, Israel's military campaign of retaliation has resulted in at least 31,184 Palestinian deaths and 72,889 injuries.
Senator Schumer is anticipated to uphold rather than undermine Israel's democratically elected government. In times of war, this is especially true.
Following a rapid attack on Israel on October 7, in which Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 253 more, according to Israeli counts, the conflict broke out. According to officials in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, Israel's military campaign of retaliation has resulted in at least 31,184 Palestinian deaths and 72,889 injuries.
Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority, need to resign, according to Schumer, who also attacked Palestinians who back Hamas.
"For there to be any hope of peace in the future, Abbas must step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish State," Schumer stated.
"For there to be any hope of peace in the future, Abbas must step down and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish State," Schumer stated.
United States Leverage
In Senate remarks shortly after Schumer's unusually lengthy 45-minute address, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell swiftly defended Netanyahu.
"It is absurd... and hypocritical... for Americans to demand the overthrow of Israel's democratically elected leader while becoming hysterical over foreign meddling in our own democracy. This has never happened before, McConnell said.
Schumer did not address if legislation might be introduced to tie the provision of US weapons
In Senate remarks shortly after Schumer's unusually lengthy 45-minute address, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell swiftly defended Netanyahu.
"It is absurd... and hypocritical... for Americans to demand the overthrow of Israel's democratically elected leader while becoming hysterical over foreign meddling in our own democracy. This has never happened before, McConnell said.
Schumer did not address if legislation might be introduced to tie the provision of US weapons
Schumer brought up the prospect of Washington utilizing its power if Israel does not alter its course in response to the Democratic advocacy for Israel to ease the humanitarian crisis.
"If Prime Minister Netanyahu’s current coalition remains in power after the war begins to wind down, and continues to pursue dangerous and inflammatory policies that test existing US standards for assistance, then the United States will have no choice but to play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy by using our leverage to change the present course," he stated.
"If Prime Minister Netanyahu’s current coalition remains in power after the war begins to wind down, and continues to pursue dangerous and inflammatory policies that test existing US standards for assistance, then the United States will have no choice but to play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy by using our leverage to change the present course," he stated.
Schumer's speech reflected growing frustration in Washington with Netanyahu, his management of the war, his failure to do more to protect Palestinian civilians and his perceived obstruction of aid deliveries in Gaza.
"Support for Israel is declining to all-time lows globally as a result of Netanyahu's excessive willingness to put up with the civilian casualty rate in Gaza. If Israel turns into a pariah, it cannot survive," Schumer declared.
The administration led by Biden is also dissatisfied by Netanyahu's unwavering defiance of US appeals for support of a two-state solution, which the US believes is crucial to bringing an end to the conflict and establishing enduring peace.
Netanyahu, who has not yet received an invitation to the Biden White House, was widely perceived as being snubbed when Schumer and administration officials welcomed Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz to Washington this month. US authorities believe that centrist lawmaker Gantz will eventually take the prime minister's seat.
The administration led by Biden is also dissatisfied by Netanyahu's unwavering defiance of US appeals for support of a two-state solution, which the US believes is crucial to bringing an end to the conflict and establishing enduring peace.
Netanyahu, who has not yet received an invitation to the Biden White House, was widely perceived as being snubbed when Schumer and administration officials welcomed Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz to Washington this month. US authorities believe that centrist lawmaker Gantz will eventually take the prime minister's seat.
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