Biden commends US Senate leader's call for new elections in 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Mar 2024 21:11
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On Thursday, Senate leader Chuck Schumer called for new elections to be held in "Israel."

President Joe Biden meets with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, March 15, 2024 in Washington (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

US President Joe Biden on Friday lauded a speech by Senate leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections to be held in "Israel."

Biden noted that Schumer's statements echo concerns shared by many Americans about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza war.

"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.

In remarks that infuriated the Israeli ruling party and allies on Capitol Hill, US Senate Majority Leader and close ally of Joe Biden Chuck Schumer on Thursday broke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the war on Gaza and called for "Israel" to hold new elections

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.

Netanyahu's leadership in jeopardy

Even more compelling is a report recently published by US' intel agencies which casts doubt on the future of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This marked a first as it is unconventional for spy agencies to offer insight on a US ally's political prospects.

"Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties that pursued hard-line policies on Palestinian and security issues may be in jeopardy," the 40-page report titled 'Annual Threat Assessment' read.

"Distrust of Netanyahu’s ability to rule has deepened and broadened across the public from its already high levels before the war, and we expect large protests demanding his resignation and new elections," it continued. "A different, more moderate government is a possibility."