Schumer Voices Loudest US Criticism Of Netanyahu Gov't Actions To Date

As noted in our earlier bullet (see 1425GMT), US Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has delivered a scathing critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the speech on the Senate floor, Schumer called for fresh elections in Israel, claiming that the actions of Netanyahu and ultranationalists in his gov't are a major impediment to a two-state solution and lasting peace. .

• Schumer: "I believe that holding a new election once the war starts to wind down would give Israelis an opportunity to express their vision for the postwar future,"
• In his speech Schumer highlighted four obstacles he sees to a two-state solution (something the senator says he supports): Hamas, Israeli ultranationalists, Abbas, and Netanyahu.
• Schumer on Netanyahu: "He's put himself in coalition with the far right and …as a result he has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows. PM Netanyahu has also weakened Israel's political and moral fabric. ..with attempts to coopt the judiciary..."
• Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) criticises Schumer's speech, stating "It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of the democratically elected leader of Israel."
• While Netanyahu's gov't is unpopular according to polls and many want fresh elections, a sizeable proportion of Israeli respondents support the IDF's actions in Gaza. Barring unforseen circumstances no election will be called while the Israel-Hamas war continues at its present level of ferocity.