In a surprising turn of events, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer has launched a scathing attack on Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming him for the civilian toll in Gaza and calling for a leadership shake-up in the country. Schumer’s criticism comes amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians.
Schumer, who is Jewish-American himself, accused Netanyahu of being “too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza” and claimed that he had “lost his way” in his pursuit of political survival. He called for fresh elections in Israel, stating that Israelis should be given a choice in their leadership.
While Schumer’s words may seem like a departure from the Democratic Party’s traditional stance, it is important to note that they reflect a growing shift in the party’s approach towards Israel. The Biden administration, in particular, has faced mounting pressure to take a stronger stance against Israel’s military campaign.
However, it is important to remember that Israel is a longtime ally of the United States, receiving approximately $3.8 billion in aid from the country every year. President Biden and other prominent US leaders have been cautious in their criticism of Israel, recognizing the complexities of the conflict.
Schumer’s remarks also highlight the divide within the Democratic Party regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While he and other top Democratic leaders have remained supportive of Israel, their rhetoric has become increasingly critical of its military campaign. Biden, for instance, has warned against a ground operation in Gaza and denounced Israeli impediments to aid distribution.
Critics argue that such words are empty without more material action. Just this week, eight US senators, including Bernie Sanders, called on President Biden to condition aid to Israel on the expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza and the removal of any impediments.
It is worth noting that Schumer’s comments have faced backlash from both the Israeli government and US Republicans. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned Schumer’s remarks, while Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell described his call for new elections in Israel as “grotesque and hypocritical.”
Schumer, aware of the potential criticism, emphasized his pro-Israel stance and drew on his family’s history with the Holocaust to underscore his sympathy for Israel’s plight. However, his criticism of Netanyahu and the Israeli government marks a significant shift in Democratic leadership’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration and the Democratic Party will navigate the delicate balance between supporting Israel and addressing concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian aid.
