Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) made the suggestion that Israel have elections on Thursday, but pro-Israel Democrats avoided the suggestion. On Thursday, Senator Chuck Schumer—the highest-ranking Jewish politician in the US—delivered the sharpest criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to date. Asserting that Netanyahu was exploiting the conflict to further his political career, the majority leader of the Senate chastised the Israeli leader for allegedly refusing to let adequate supplies into Gaza.
On the election call, Schumer issued a warning, stating that neither the US nor him were attempting to influence the outcome of the next contest. Additionally, he proposed that it happen "once the war starts to wind down."
"At this crucial juncture, I think a fresh election is the only way to allow for a sound and transparent decision-making process regarding Israel's future at a time when so many Israelis have lost faith in the goals and course of their government," he said during his floor address on Thursday.
Republicans in the US and Israeli government both strongly denounced Schumer's remarks, calling his meddling in Israeli internal affairs an improper overreach. The matter is more delicate when discussing Senate Democrats. Some have responded to Schumer's speech with strong support, while others have chosen not to back his demand for elections.
"That is only for Israelis." Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) told the Washington Examiner, "I do not appreciate when others try to tinker in our politics." "I did not participate in Bibi Netanyahu's attempt to influence our action on the Iran deal when he came to Congress, but I do not think I should be offering opinions about what Israelis should do in their elections," the speaker said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said, "The Israelis should decide whether a new election is necessary." "But you know, I think Sen. Schumer has raised some very good and valid questions."
In response to a particular question about the election, Blumenthal said that he thought "all of the issues [Schumer] raised were appropriate."
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who has been outspoken in his support of Israel ever since Hamas executed their assault on October 7, applauded Schumer's remarks but kept his distance from the election issue.
Regarding the speech, Fetterman said, "He said a lot of the things that I wish more people were talking about, and that was being reflected in the media." It is not necessary for me to concur with everything, all the time. One may value the opinions expressed without necessarily agreeing with them all.
When asked whether Schumer erred in calling for fresh elections, Fetterman fought back, responding, "No." That carries a lot of weight because that guy is my leader and the highest-ranking Jewish man in history. I agree with much of what he said, and I think it was quite bold. I am not saying it was a mistake. He made a lot of important points, but it does not imply I agree with everything he stated.
The tragedy on October 7th and Israel's military incursion have brought attention to internal Democratic Party disagreements. While most Democrats in the party have stressed Israel's right to protect itself even as an increasing number urge for moderation, hard-left Democrats have openly denounced Israel's reaction to the assault, which marked the biggest killing of Jews since the Holocaust.
Because of the high number of Palestinian deaths and Netanyahu's defiance of American efforts to let more supplies into Gaza despite predictions of widespread famine and disease outbreaks, support for the war has declined among Democrats in recent weeks. The impending Rafah invasion, which Netanyahu said he will carry out despite President Joe Biden's remarks against such an action, is fueling Democratic ire.
In response to American criticism, Netanyahu has placed the responsibility for the humanitarian assistance's entry into Gaza on Hamas. Earlier this month, Biden had ordered the supplies to be airdropped into the ravaged territory.
On the election call, Schumer issued a warning, stating that neither the US nor him were attempting to influence the outcome of the next contest. Additionally, he proposed that it happen "once the war starts to wind down."
"At this crucial juncture, I think a fresh election is the only way to allow for a sound and transparent decision-making process regarding Israel's future at a time when so many Israelis have lost faith in the goals and course of their government," he said during his floor address on Thursday.
Republicans in the US and Israeli government both strongly denounced Schumer's remarks, calling his meddling in Israeli internal affairs an improper overreach. The matter is more delicate when discussing Senate Democrats. Some have responded to Schumer's speech with strong support, while others have chosen not to back his demand for elections.
"That is only for Israelis." Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) told the Washington Examiner, "I do not appreciate when others try to tinker in our politics." "I did not participate in Bibi Netanyahu's attempt to influence our action on the Iran deal when he came to Congress, but I do not think I should be offering opinions about what Israelis should do in their elections," the speaker said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said, "The Israelis should decide whether a new election is necessary." "But you know, I think Sen. Schumer has raised some very good and valid questions."
In response to a particular question about the election, Blumenthal said that he thought "all of the issues [Schumer] raised were appropriate."
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who has been outspoken in his support of Israel ever since Hamas executed their assault on October 7, applauded Schumer's remarks but kept his distance from the election issue.
Regarding the speech, Fetterman said, "He said a lot of the things that I wish more people were talking about, and that was being reflected in the media." It is not necessary for me to concur with everything, all the time. One may value the opinions expressed without necessarily agreeing with them all.
When asked whether Schumer erred in calling for fresh elections, Fetterman fought back, responding, "No." That carries a lot of weight because that guy is my leader and the highest-ranking Jewish man in history. I agree with much of what he said, and I think it was quite bold. I am not saying it was a mistake. He made a lot of important points, but it does not imply I agree with everything he stated.
The tragedy on October 7th and Israel's military incursion have brought attention to internal Democratic Party disagreements. While most Democrats in the party have stressed Israel's right to protect itself even as an increasing number urge for moderation, hard-left Democrats have openly denounced Israel's reaction to the assault, which marked the biggest killing of Jews since the Holocaust.
Because of the high number of Palestinian deaths and Netanyahu's defiance of American efforts to let more supplies into Gaza despite predictions of widespread famine and disease outbreaks, support for the war has declined among Democrats in recent weeks. The impending Rafah invasion, which Netanyahu said he will carry out despite President Joe Biden's remarks against such an action, is fueling Democratic ire.
In response to American criticism, Netanyahu has placed the responsibility for the humanitarian assistance's entry into Gaza on Hamas. Earlier this month, Biden had ordered the supplies to be airdropped into the ravaged territory.
