Chuck Schumer Calls for New Election in Israel
The Facts
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for a new election in Israel during an impassioned address on the Senate floor, breaking his silence on the Israel-Gaza conflict and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While members of his party have vocally criticized Israel and its government for its response to Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, Schumer had remained quiet on the issue. In his formal remarks, he said that Netanyahu has "lost his way" and "no longer fits the needs of Israel."
The Spin
Democratic narrative
A Jewish American and proud Zionist himself, Schumer is the furthest thing from an anti-Israel Democrat, but he recognizes that the Netanyahu government has done far more harm than good. Netanyahu’s political insecurity has caused him to completely disregard the will of the people and the best interests of Israel, and he shouldn't be allowed to stay in office without a vote. Everyone wants peace, and Netanyahu is an obstacle to achieving this.
Republican narrative
Schumer has finally caved to the radical left wing of his party. While using his Jewish roots to legitimize his claims, he has tacitly blamed Israel for Hamas' brutal attack on Oct. 7 and undermined Israel's right to defend itself from terrorists. Schumer's claims imply that a new government would end the war against Hamas, but that's unlikely. Israeli security remains threatened, and a cease-fire cannot happen until Hamas is eliminated. Schumer and the Democrats cannot subvert Israeli democracy.
