Challenging the Peace Process: Top Democrat Schumer Urges New Elections in Israel, Citing Netanyahu as Obstacle

Introduction

To invigorate the peace process, the majority leader of the Senate, Chuck Schumer, demanded new elections from Israel on Thursday. He expressed his belief that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost his way” and is obstructing peace in the region amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Schumer, the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in America, sharply criticized Netanyahu in a 40-minute speech on the Senate floor Thursday morning. 

Schumer said that the Prime Minister has aligned himself with extreme right-wing elements and “as a result, they have become too prepared to tolerate civilian casualties in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel to historic lows worldwide.” Schumer said, “Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah,” threatening the peace process.

Democrats Warn Israel on Peace Process

The high-level warning comes as the Democrats’ increasing numbers are pushing back against Israel, and as President Joe Biden has ramped up public pressure on Netanyahu’s government, citing the need for greater attention to civilian casualties in Gaza during Israeli bombings. America has started urgent aid to humanitarian foundations this month and announced setting up a temporary channel across the sea further to aid Gaza in support of the peace process.

Schumer has positioned himself as a strong ally of the Israeli government so far, visiting the country just days after the savage attacks by Hamas on October 7 and delivering a lengthy speech on the Senate floor in December condemning “heinous and widespread hostilities.” “We have not seen this level of racism in this country, ever.” But on Thursday, he said on the Senate floor, “The Israeli people are being oppressed by a government agenda stuck in the past,” hindering progress in the peace process.

Schumer Criticizes Netanyahu’s Stance

Schumer said that Netanyahu, who has long opposed Palestinian statehood, is among several barriers to a two-state solution supported by America. Schumer said Netanyahu has “lost his way by prioritizing his political survival over the best interests of Israel.” The majority leader also accused right-wing Israelis, Hamas, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Schumer said, “As long as all of them are not removed from the equation, there will never be peace between Israel and Gaza and the West Bank.”

Schumer said that America cannot dictate the outcome of elections in Israel but “new elections are the only way to allow a healthy and transparent decision-making process for Israel, at a time when many Israelis have lost confidence in their government’s direction and intentions, which is essential for advancing the peace process.” His speech prompted an immediate response from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who said on the Senate floor immediately after Schumer’s remarks, “Israel deserves an ally that does the same work” and foreign observers “should refrain from meddling.”

McConnell Criticizes Democratic Stance

McConnell highlighted the Democratic Party’s alleged anti-Israel stance, emphasizing the importance of respecting Israel’s decisions to avoid undermining its democracy. Netanyahu’s close rapport with Republicans, notably evident during his 2015 speech opposing Iran nuclear negotiations, has deepened political divides. Despite an invitation to address Republican senators this week, Netanyahu was represented by Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, affecting discussions related to the peace process.

Schatz Praises Schumer’s Remarks

Democratic Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii, who is also Jewish, praised Schumer’s remarks. “These are bold, historic remarks from Leader Schumer,” he posted on X, which was his first tweet. “I know he didn’t come to this conclusion accidentally or painlessly.” It’s unclear how Schumer’s straightforward call for early elections in Israel will be received, where the next parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 2026. Many Israelis hold Netanyahu responsible for the failure to stop the October 7 border-crossing attacks by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and have affected his popularity.

Protesters Accuse Netanyahu

Demonstrators calling for early elections in Israel have accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his right-wing coalition’s unity over Israel’s interests during times of conflict and rejecting American proposals for Gaza’s post-war reconstruction to please his extreme right-wing allies within his government, putting Israel’s strategic alliance with America at risk. Their extreme right-wing members in the cabinet have swiftly countered American preferences in the region, which believe that long-term solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts require the involvement of consecutive American administrations. In a heated moment with lawmakers after his State of the Union address, Biden promised Netanyahu “a come-to-Jesus moment,” emphasizing the urgency of progress in the peace process.

Harris Meets Israeli Leaders

Vice President Kamala Harris, Schumer, and other lawmakers met with a member of Israel’s war cabinet and Netanyahu’s arch-rival Benny Gantz last week in Washington—a visit that criticized the Israeli Prime Minister. Gantz joined Netanyahu’s government immediately after the Hamas attacks but is expected to leave the government when the fighting ends most intensely, indicating the end of the national unity’s term. Large-scale protests against Netanyahu’s deeply unpopular coalition before early elections could increase pressure.

Schumer Embraces Jewish Responsibility

Schumer said he feels a heightened sense of responsibility as the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States. He said his last name comes from the Hebrew word “shomer,” meaning “guardian.” “I also feel a deep sense of responsibility to Israel and its people,” he said. “It is unreasonable to expect Hamas and its backers to give up their weapons if Israel strengthens its hold over Gaza and the West Bank and establishes a “de facto single state.” This could mean perpetual conflict.” Schumer said, “As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its leaders, and we should not interfere wherever possible.” But the important thing is that Israelis have been given a choice.

Conclusion

In urging for new elections in Israel, Top Democrat Schumer asserts that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership hampers the peace process. This call reflects growing concerns about Netanyahu’s stance on Palestinian statehood and his handling of regional conflicts. Schumer’s advocacy highlights the significance of leadership in fostering stability and progress in the Middle East. By emphasizing the need for change, he underscores the importance of finding leaders committed to advancing the peace process. Ultimately, Schumer’s stance underscores the imperative of addressing obstacles to peace for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.

FAQs

1. Why is Chuck Schumer calling for new elections in Israel?

Ans:    Schumer believes Netanyahu’s leadership hinders the peace process in Israel.

2. What does Schumer think about Netanyahu’s role in peace efforts?

Ans:    Schumer sees Netanyahu as a barrier to achieving peace in the region.

3. Is Schumer the only one concerned about Netanyahu’s leadership?

Ans:    No, many Democrats share Schumer’s concerns about Netanyahu’s impact on the peace process.

4. How does Schumer propose to address the issue?

Ans:    Schumer suggests holding new elections in Israel to pave the way for progress in the peace process.

5. What prompted Schumer’s call for new elections?

Ans:    Schumer’s call comes amidst escalating tensions and a humanitarian crisis, highlighting the urgency of addressing obstacles to the peace process.

More info:  Who Is Mark Esper?