U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Israel to hold new elections, while sharply criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Schumer’s remarks came as part of his push for a two-state solution in the region, highlighting growing concerns about Israel’s diplomatic standing under Netanyahu’s leadership.
Schumer, a staunch ally of Israel and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States, delivered what he called a “major address” on the escalating situation, focusing his criticism on Netanyahu’s government.
The Democrat from New York argued that Netanyahu has “lost his way,” citing political and legal challenges faced by the prime minister and accusing him of prioritizing political survival over Israel’s best interests.
During his speech on the Senate floor, Schumer emphasized the need for a new election in Israel, stating that it would give Israelis an opportunity to express their vision for the post-war future.
He also highlighted the increasing international isolation faced by Israel, warning that the country cannot succeed as a “pariah” opposed by the rest of the world.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants raided southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that more than 31,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began on Oct. 7, roughly half of them children.
The United Nations also says approximately a quarter of Gaza’s population is now starving.
Schumer’s comments reflect a broad sentiment among Senate Democrats and progressives, who have become vocal critics of Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, where military forces are slaughtering children instead of bringing the real culprits to justice.
Earlier in the week, Senator Bernie Sanders and seven Senate Democrats called on President Joe Biden to halt weapons shipments to Israel until restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza are lifted.
Biden himself has expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s approach, particularly regarding the civilian toll in Gaza and the rejection of discussions on a two-state solution.
Schumer’s call for elections in Israel could mark a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the region and signals growing discontent with Netanyahu’s leadership.
The coalition government consists of seven parties — Likud, United Torah Judaism, Shas, Religious Zionist Party, Otzma Yehudit, Noam, and National Unity — and is led by Netanyahu, who has taken office as the Prime Minister of Israel for the sixth time.
The Likud was formed in 1973 by an alliance of several right-wing parties, including Herut, which grew out of the terrorist group Irgun in 1948.
Shas advocates for the increased influence of religious law and actively encourages Israelis of Sephardic and Mizrahi-Jewish heritage to adopt an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. Religious Zionism is a far-right religious Zionist political party in Israel. Noam is a far-right Orthodox Jewish, Religious Zionist political party.
Otzma Yehudit is the ideological descendant of the outlawed radical Orthodox Jewish Kach party that advocates for the deportation of those who they consider being the “enemies of Israel”, and leader Itamar Ben-Gvir was associated with the original Kach movement.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned Schumer’s comments as inappropriate interference in Israel’s democratic process, stating that Americans should not call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of another country.
The Israeli government, through Ambassador Michael Herzog, described Schumer’s comments as “unhelpful” and urged against interference in Israeli politics during a time of war. It remains to be seen how Schumer’s declaration will impact politics in Israel, where Netanyahu faces significant domestic challenges but still enjoys support on key issues.
In his speech, Schumer reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas but stressed the need for a long-term solution that includes a two-state framework.
He also called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and a temporary cease-fire to facilitate aid delivery.
Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas cannot justify the number of children killed in Gaza but support among Israeli politicians for collective punishment is not uncommon.
Knesset member Meirav Ben-Ari—who declared, “The children of Gaza have brought this upon themselves” —isn’t considered an extreme right-winger, but a liberal centrist from Yair Lapid’s opposition party Yesh Atid.
The fallout from Schumer’s address underscores the complex dynamics at play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the evolving relationship between the United States and Israel under new leadership. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, Schumer’s call for Israeli elections adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
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