Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s statement on Israel as the Jewish state continues its war with Hamas following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack that killed more than 1,200 people. He called criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership “useless.” Hundreds more were taken hostage.
“Israel is a sovereign democracy. As Israel is at war with the genocidal terrorist organization Hamas, it is useless to comment on the domestic political situation of our democratic allies. It is counterproductive to our common goals.” Herzog wrote. With X.
Schumer (New York), the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States, criticized Netanyahu in a speech on the Senate floor Thursday.
“I believe in his heart. His number one priority is the security of Israel,” Schumer said. “But I also believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way, putting his own political survival above Israel’s best interests.”
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) poses for a photo with Senator Chuck Schumer at the Capitol in Washington on February 15, 2017. Schumer criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and called on Israel to hold new elections. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Seneta, File)
“He is all too willing to tolerate civilian casualties in Gaza, which has driven support for Israel to historic lows around the world. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.” added Schumer.
The speech came a day after John Barrasso, the No. 3 Republican in the Wyoming Senate, invited Netanyahu to speak at a Republican rally in Washington. According to the New York Times, Mr. Herzog spoke in place of Mr. Netayahu due to “scheduling conflicts.”
Mr. Schumer and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Palestinians and radical right-wing Israelis in government and society who support and condone Hamas and its evil ways; [and] The Senate majority leader said Israeli elections were “the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about Israel’s future,” adding that he believed in the opinion of the Palestinian Authority majority. Ta. Israelis also recognize the need for government change.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D.Y.) speaks on the Senate floor in the Washington Capitol on March 14, 2024. Schumer has called for Israel to hold new elections. (Senate TV, via AP)
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“After October 7, the Netanyahu coalition no longer suited Israel’s needs. The world has changed fundamentally since then, and the Israeli people are now oppressed by a vision of governance stuck in the past. ” Schumer said.
He promoted a two-state solution with “a demilitarized Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel on equal levels of peace, security, prosperity and dignity.”
“As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders, and we should leave the chips where they are,” Schumer said. “But the important thing is that Israelis have a choice. There needs to be a new discussion about the future of Israel after October 7.”
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog speaks at an event calling attention to sexual and gender-based violence by Hamas on February 14, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the two-state idea in January, insisting, “We will not compromise on Israel’s complete security control over all territory west of Jordan. This is contrary to the Palestinian state.” Palestinian Authority He also reiterated his desire for territory in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, with Jerusalem as its capital.
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After Schumer’s speech, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) took to the floor to address his Democratic colleagues’ comments, but did not name them.
“The Jewish state of Israel deserves allies who act like allies,” he said, calling the call for new Israeli elections “unprecedented.”
“Israel’s unity government and security cabinet deserve the respect due to a sovereign democracy.”
FOX News’ Julia Johnson contributed to this report.
