Biden backs Schumer's call for Israeli elections, Kirby says no
3 Min Read
During a speech on Thursday, US Senator Chuck Schumer advocated for new Israeli elections, arguing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime no longer aligns with the interests of "Israel."
-
White House national security communications adviser John Kirby takes a question from a reporter during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Friday, March 1, 2024 (AP)
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby on Friday said that the ultimate say to hold new elections lies with the Israeli people.
"That's going to be up for the Israeli people to decide," Kirby said when asked whether US President Joe Biden wants to see new elections in "Israel."
These statements contradict those issued by US President Joe Biden earlier in the day.
Biden issued remarks praising US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for advocating for new Israeli elections, saying that Schumer's statements echo concerns shared by many Americans about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war on Gaza.
"He made a good speech, and I think he expressed serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans," Biden said of Schumer's remarks, the highest-ranking elected Jewish American in US history.
Read more: Time for regime change in 'Israel', Res. General Brik says
Schumer says Netanyahu must be replaced
During a speech on Thursday, Schumer advocated for new Israeli elections, arguing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime no longer aligns with the interests of "Israel."
He further stressed the necessity for the US to intensify its endeavor to actively pursue peace should Netanyahu continue in office post-war Gaza.
"Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah," Schumer said during his speech.
He also expressed support for the two-state solution, which was unilaterally rejected by the Knesset three weeks ago.
On the same day, Speaker Mike Johnson slammed Schumer's statements as highly inappropriate.
"It is highly inappropriate and simply wrong for Senator Schumer to be calling for new elections in Israel. We need to stand strong with Israel," he said during an event of the Congressional Institute.
Read more: US intel report says Netanyahu's leadership in jeopardy
Critical Crossroads
Recent developments between the Biden administration and the current Israeli leadership seem to be reaching a critical juncture.
The scale of the genocide in Gaza has not only inflicted damage beyond repair on "Israel's" global reputation but has also laid bare the deeply entrenched hypocrisy of US foreign policy.
Besides an undeclared visit from opposition leader Benny Gantz earlier this month, the US has claimed publically that it would be prepared to condition aid to "Israel" on the basis of providing a so-called adequate humanitarian plan for Gaza's civilians in the event of a ground invasion of Rafah.
It is important to note that prior to the start of the war, Netanyahu faced significant criticism for his judicial overhaul plans.
The war in Gaza compounded these strains after a poll showed that 80% of Israelis believe that Netanyahu should bear responsibility for the October 7 operation.
Meanwhile, the US is striving to secure the continuation of the Abraham Accords by advocating for a two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia has mentioned that the sole obstacle hindering a potential normalization agreement is the issue of Palestinian statehood.
