Earlier on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stood on the Senate floor to call for Israel to hold new elections as he criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Israel was quick to come out against any such meddling.
The Times of Israel noted that Schumer’s remarks “sparked anger and swift condemnation by various figures in Jerusalem.”
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, who succeeded Netanyahu in 2021, used similar language calling out Schumer’s efforts, as he reminded Israel is “an independent nation, not a banana republic.”
Even Netanyahu’s rival, Benny Gantz, who came to the United States last week on an unauthorized trip for visits with Vice President Kamala Harris and Schumer, wants the United States to stay out of it.
His post noted that “Israel is a robust democracy, and only its citizens will decide its future and leadership. Any external interference on the matter is counter-productive and unacceptable.”
Closer to home, Michael Herzog, ambassador of Israel to the United States, who is also a member of the opposition party, reminded Schumer how unhelpful his remarks were. “It is counterproductive to our common goals,” his post read in part.
It’s not just Republicans speaking out against Schumer, but fellow Democrats as well, namely Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Hours later, Phillips called it “irresponsible for a Congressional leader to call for elections in Israel.