The Likud Party of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reacted strongly to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s controversial call Thursday for fresh elections in Israel.
In a 45 minute speech on the Senate floor, Schumer, a prominent Jewish-American Senator from New York, said Netanyahu’s government “no longer fits the needs of Israel.” While “as a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders, and we should let the process unfold. But the important thing is that Israelis are given a choice. In my opinion, that is best accomplished by holding an election,” he said.
While a spokesperson from the Israeli prime minister’s office declined comment “for now,” Netanyahu’s Likud Party in a statement said “Israel was not a banana republic.”
Asserting that “the Israeli public supports a total victory over Hamas, rejects any international dictates to establish a Palestinian terrorist state, and opposes the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.” the Likud statement said: “Senator Schumer is expected to respect Israel’s elected government and not undermine it. This is always true, and even more so in wartime.”
Schumer urged all parties involved in the Israel-Gaza conflict to work towards a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and facilitate aid delivery to Gaza. He also called for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to step down and be replaced by a new generation of leaders committed to peace with Israel.
“(Netanyahu) has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah,” he said.
May we light the candles that lead us to a better future for all. pic.twitter.com/XtBJEqA7ro
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 14, 2024
The conflict began on October 7th when Hamas fighters launched a series of attacks on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has responded with a military campaign that has killed at least 31,184 Palestinians and injured 72,889 more, based on figures from authorities in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
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