Schumer takes a jab at Netanyahu, calls for elections in 'Israel'
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The Senate's Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, called Schumer's comments "grotesque, and hypocritical" for interfering in "Israel's" affairs.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer gives a thumbs up after voting on the continuing resolution passed by the House earlier in the day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on September 30, 2023. (AFP)
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Thursday for new Israeli elections, fiercely denouncing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an impediment to peace.
Democrat Chuck Schumer, "Israel's" long-time backer and the highest-ranking Jewish political official, told the Senate that Netanyahu's administration "no longer fits the needs of Israel" as the war rages on in Gaza.
Schumer claimed that "Israel" was a "democracy" and noted that settlers had a right to choose a leader but called for a "fresh debate about the future of Israel after October 7," which he believes is best accomplished via elections.
Schumer considered it a "grave mistake" for the occupation to reject a two-state solution and encouraged mediators to do all necessary to establish a truce, free captives, and provide relief to Gaza.
Last month, the Israeli cabinet issued a statement firmly rejecting the "unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by the international community."
Read more: US intel report says Netanyahu's leadership in jeopardy
He and other Democrats like President Joe Biden himself are under fire from inside the party for Washington's unflinching support for "Israel," given the scale of civilian casualty and destruction in the strip.
Schumer also called for the resignation of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, citing it was necessary for a "new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work towards attaining peace with a Jewish State."
The Senate's Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, called Schumer's comments "grotesque, and hypocritical," since it was hypocritical to interfere in another country's "democracy," and "hyperventilate about foreign interference."
Schumer emphasized the prospect of Washington utilizing its leverage if the Israelis did not alter their direction, emphasizing that if the war coalition remains in power and continues their "dangerous and inflammatory policies that test existing U.S. 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."
The Democrat accused Netanyahu of being "too willing" to accept the high death toll of civilians in Gaza and emphasized that his behavior and attitude in the genocide was sinking support for "Israel" globally to "historic lows."
"Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah," Schumer stressed.
Read next: Dealing with Netanyahu 'incredibly frustrating', US officials say
Biden's bear-hug of Netanyahu: A strategic misstep, Democrat says
US President Joe Biden has made a “strategic mistake” by “bear-hugging” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the current war on Gaza, according to a prominent progressive Democrat and Biden campaign surrogate Ro Khanna.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he criticized the Israeli President for conducting "a callous war" in Gaza, despite his claims of opposition from the United States.
However, his criticisms of Biden's errors might not be well-received at the White House.
Liz Landers, guest hosting on the One Decision podcast, questioned Khanna about his recent visit to Michigan, where he engaged with leaders of the state's sizable Arab American community.
“What did they tell you about the Biden administration’s policy with Israel?” Landers questioned.
“They were opposed,” Khanna said, stressing, ".........but the bear-hugging of Netanyahu has been a strategic mistake. Netanyahu has conducted a callous war in defiance of the United States"
US President Joe Biden has repeatedly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Israeli war against Gaza, The Washington Post reported, highlighting the latest indication revealing Biden's secured leverage against "Israel".
Some of the latest indications provided by the Post vary from positions on ceasefire to political meetings.
