Schumer: Israel Should Hold New Elections
Majority Leader Criticizes Israeli Government
March 14, 2024
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling on Israel to hold new elections, saying he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost the confidence of the Israeli people.
Schumer's comments, delivered in a speech on the Senate floor Thursday, were the most significant criticism by a U.S. leader against the Israeli government since its war with Hamas began last month.
"I believe that the Israeli people have lost confidence in their government," Schumer said. "And I believe that the only way to restore that confidence is to hold new elections."
Schumer's comments were met with outrage by Republicans and Israeli officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Schumer's remarks "outrageous" and said they "undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship."
The White House has not commented on Schumer's remarks.
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