President Joe Biden expressed his support for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Friday, following Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel.
This development highlights the growing strain in the relationship between the United States and its closest Middle East ally amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Schumer, a Jewish Democrat representing New York, caused a stir in both countries with his remarks this week, criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasizing the need for change.
He asserted that Netanyahu has “lost his way” and cautioned against Israel becoming isolated on the international stage as casualties mount among Palestinians.
In response to Schumer’s comments, President Biden voiced his approval in the Oval Office during a meeting with Ireland’s prime minister, “He made a good speech.”
Biden acknowledged that Schumer’s concerns are not unique to him but are shared by many Americans, indicating a broader sentiment within the U.S. political landscape regarding the situation in Israel.
The statement from Schumer and the subsequent support from President Biden underscore the depth of the apprehension and divergence of opinion within American politics regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will influence U.S. policy and its relationship with Israel in the long term.