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US Senate top democrats, Chuck Schumer has urged Israel to hold elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as fractures emerge in a once solid and friendly alliance.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the US government, criticized Netanyahu’s leadership on Thursday, stating that he had veered off course.
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While Washington leaders have refrained from directly criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict in Gaza, Schumer’s remarks represent a significant escalation in US criticism of Netanyahu’s administration.
Speaking in the Senate, Schumer emphasized the need for Israel to make “course corrections” and take measures to better protect civilians in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Likud party swiftly rebuked Schumer’s comments, asserting that Israel is not a “banana republic” and defending the prime minister’s policies as being “supported by a large majority.”
Israel’s ambassador in Washington, Michael Herzog, also criticized Schumer’s remarks as “unhelpful” and “counterproductive.”
The statement from Schumer, one of America’s most powerful political leaders, follows pointed critiques from the White House.
While President Joe Biden and other leaders have refrained from criticizing Netanyahu directly, concerns have been growing within the Biden administration and among some members of his own party regarding Israel’s handling of the conflict.
A coalition of Arab-American voters has organized successful protest efforts during the Democratic primary process, reflecting increasing restlessness in the Democratic base over the situation in Gaza.
Friction between the two governments has become more apparent in recent weeks, with Biden warning Israel against expanding its invasion into the city of Rafah, which he termed a “red line.”
Biden has also become increasingly vocal in calling for Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, with “no excuses.”
However, the White House quickly distanced itself from Schumer’s comments, with spokesperson John Kirby stating that while Schumer has a right to his opinion, administration officials are focused on working with Israel on defense matters.
Schumer’s call for elections in Israel prompted criticism from outgoing Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, who described Schumer’s 40-minute speech as “grotesque” and “unprecedented.”
Opinion polls indicate that while most Israelis support the war, only a small percentage of voters want Netanyahu to remain in office once the conflict ends.
Additionally, the US announced sanctions against three more settlers and, for the first time, against two Israeli settlement outposts accused of undermining stability in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians have been on the rise, with nearly 500 incidents recorded between October 7 and January 31, according to UN figures.
While the majority of the international community considers the settlements and outposts illegal under international law, Israel and the US dispute this interpretation.
