Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently rebuffed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's recent push for new elections in Israel, labeling the suggestion as "totally inappropriate" and detrimental to Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in tensions between senior U.S. officials and Israel's prime minister, amid growing criticism from the Biden administration and Democratic lawmakers over Netanyahu's management of the Hamas crisis and international calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
During an interview with CNN, Netanyahu rejected Schumer's proposal, citing polling data indicating that a majority of Israelis support early elections only after the resolution of the current conflict. He warned that premature elections would lead to "at least six months of national paralysis," jeopardizing Israel's efforts against Hamas.
The Israeli government, less than a year old, is not due for elections until 2026, making the prospect of immediate polls seem premature and disruptive.
Netanyahu compared Schumer's call to holding new elections in the U.S. following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, deeming it inappropriate interference in Israel's democratic processes. He emphasized that leadership changes should be determined by the Israeli public, not foreign entities.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S. government, had previously criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing political survival over Israel's interests and alienating global support. Schumer's remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the Biden administration, which has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian toll in Gaza and Netanyahu's resistance to postwar initiatives, including the establishment of a Palestinian state.
President Biden commended Schumer's speech, echoing concerns shared by many Americans, while Republicans denounced it as detrimental to the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Former President Donald Trump urged Netanyahu to swiftly end hostilities, emphasizing the importance of restoring peace.
The escalating tensions come amid Congressional deliberations on a $95 billion foreign aid package, which includes support for Ukraine and Israel.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, reiterated Biden's stance that the decision on elections rests with the Israeli government and people. Kirby expressed concerns about potential military actions in Gaza and urged Israel to prioritize civilian safety.
Netanyahu affirmed Israel's commitment to eradicating Hamas, attributing challenges in aid delivery to Hamas' looting of humanitarian assistance.
As tensions persist, diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Israel face heightened scrutiny, with both sides grappling for consensus on the path forward amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
