In a surprising turn of events, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for new elections in Israel during a speech on the Senate floor regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in America, criticized Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, stating that the current coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel at this critical juncture.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has only increased the pressure on Democratic party officials, including President Joe Biden, to take a harder line against Israel. Schumer condemned the recent Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7 and expressed sorrow over the loss of civilian lives in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Likud party responded to Schumer’s remarks, urging him to respect Israel’s elected government and not undermine it. Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson also criticized Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel, with McConnell emphasizing that only Israel’s citizens should have a say in who runs their government.
Despite the backlash, Schumer believes that holding a new election once the war begins to wind down would give Israelis a chance to express their vision for the post-war future. In response to Schumer’s speech, House Republican leadership is considering putting a standalone Israel bill on the floor for discussion.
The call for new elections in Israel has sparked a heated debate among American lawmakers, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the Israel-Hamas conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Schumer’s proposal will impact the political landscape in Israel and beyond.
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