Chuck Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, criticizing Netanyahu's leadership
By: Rebecca Shabad and Kate Santaliz (NBC News)
So, it's okay for Chuck Schumer to use his position of authority to meddle in the affairs of other countries. It's okay for Chuck Schumer to mix his religion with politics. Naturally the unbiased liberal press will applaud Schumer. He is a Democrat, after all, and Democrats can do no wrong. Just ask Bob Menendez who is completely ignored by journalist cheerleaders.
Schumer acknowledges that a two state solution isn't possible as long as Hamas remains in power. So, what would a ceasefire accomplish? Why is Israel blamed for the holdup in aid deliveries? The United Nations stockpiled the humanitarian aid in Sinai. Trucks are entering Gaza in sizeable numbers. So, why isn't Hamas organizing and distributing the aid in Gaza? Maybe that's because the only thing Hamas can do to govern Gaza is to attack Israel; Hamas can't do anything else. Maybe that's because meeting the needs of people in Gaza has never been a political priority for Hamas. Yet, we're supposed to believe Hamas will negotiate in good-faith and do what the United States wants. C'mon Schumer, we're not that gullible or stupid.
Tell us, Chuck Schumer, what happens if Israel holds elections and Benjamin Netanyahu is re-elected? Will Schumer shut his friggin' mouth and support the newly elected government? Or does Schumer only have a compulsion to meddle in the affairs of other countries so Schumer can grandstand for the American press?
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
WASHINGTON — In the most significant criticism by a U.S. leader against the Israeli government since its war with Hamas began, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday called for new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S. ever, said in remarks on the Senate floor that "the Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7."
"The world has changed — radically — since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past," Schumer said in what was billed as a major address by the Democratic leader from New York.
Netanyahu has "lost his way," Schumer continued, "by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel" and by indicating he isn't interested in the formation of an independent Palestinian state, which has been a U.S. goal for decades. Schumer said that Netanyahu has aligned himself with "far-right extremists" like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who he said are "pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows."
"Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah," the majority leader said.
Schumer argued that Israel must make "course corrections" in its strategy against Hamas and make a better effort to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza. They "do not deserve to suffer for the sins of Hamas, and Israel as a moral obligation to do better," he said. "The United States has an obligation to do better."
More than 1,200 people died in Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and an estimated 30,000 people in Gaza have died, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.
"Five months into this conflict, it is clear that Israelis need to take stock of the situation and ask, must we change course?" he said. "At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel."
The Democratic leader, who was wearing a yellow ribbon pin on the Senate floor to honor hostages being held in Gaza, is a long-time staunch defender of Israel and its right to exist. He spoke about the plight of his Jewish ancestors in Europe and the "grave threats" that Israel faces as it's "surrounded by vicious enemies."
Schumer expressed support for a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as President Joe Biden has been pushing for, saying it "would allow for the return of hostages and humanitarian relief of suffering Palestinians." He said he's against a permanent cease-fire because he said it would only allow Hamas to "regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians."
"There can never be a two-state solution if Hamas has any significant power," he said.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., denounced Schumer for his remarks, saying on the Senate floor afterward that it is "grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel."
The Biden administration has faced intensifying calls to help facilitate a cease-fire and provide an increase in aid to Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.
In his State of the Union address last week, Biden said he directed the U.S. military to lead an "emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast." He said it would be able to receive large ships that carry food, water, medicine and temporary shelters. The president also recently authorized the U.S. to begin air-dropping humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Families of Americans still being held among the 130 hostages in Gaza attended the State of the Union. Some have expressed concerns to Schumer's office that Netanyahu has not made the release of their loved ones a priority over the last five months, a source familiar with the matter told NBC News.
As he runs for re-election, Biden has faced anger from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party whose members have wanted him to put more pressure on Netanyahu, who has served as Israel's prime minister continuously since Dec. 2022 after the government led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid lost its majority. Netanyahu had also led the country's government multiple times before, including from March 2009 to June 2021.
On Thursday morning, the Biden administration said it was sanctioning three extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank and two outposts in the territory. In early February, Biden also issued an executive order that targeted Jewish settlers in the West Bank who engaged in violence against Palestinians living in the region.
Tags
Who is online
130 visitors
Nothing to see here. Chuck Schumer is a Democrat so it's okay for him to throw allies under the bus, meddle is the internal affairs of other countries, and, most importantly, throw gas on the fire so he can grandstand for the American press. Even Schumer tells us that the war won't end with Hamas in power but we're supposed to trust Hamas to do the right thing with the hostages. So, tell us, Schumer, why did Hamas take hostages in the first place?
You're a God, Chuck. So, we're suppose all bow down and kiss Chuck Schumer's ass. That seems to be a common expectation among Democrat leadership.
One question Nerm, do you think it a coincidence that Schumer made that speech today as Biden is set to speak to "Muslims" in Michigan?
Well, let's play New York Times reporter. Maybe we can pretend to be David Brooks. How's that?
(In David Brook's voice:) Schumer portrayed Palestinians as victims, claimed a Palestinian state is the only solution, and declared Benjamin Netanyahu is the bad guy. Schumer is laying out the only rational way to kick the can and maintain the status quo. Nope don't see how any of that could possibly pander to Palestinians or Muslims in the US. What Schumer said needed to be said out loud. Biden speaking in Michigan is just a coincidence.
(Buy my book where I explain it all. Buy copies for your friends, too. Or just send me money because I'm so friggin' smart.)
Does Chucky actually think that a change of regime in Israel would stop Israel from protecting itself from the terrorists that attacked them in October?
His calls for change in Israel gives the appearance he is supporting the people who voluntarily put terrorists in charge then is wearing a yellow ribbon in honor of the people that Hamas has taken hostage? He can't be that damn stupid.