It was the first time Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had openly spoken against Israel’s actions in the Israel-Hamas conflict|Senate Democrats|CC BY 2.0
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US, criticized Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for the civilian death toll in Gaza and called for replacing him in Israel.
In his speech on the Senate floor yesterday, Schumer said Netanyahu “has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel.”
It was the first time Schumer, a strong ally of the Israeli government, had openly spoken against its actions in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He added, “Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.”
The high-profile warning comes at a time when President Joe Biden faces increased pushback from party congressional leaders and the public over US actions in the Gaza war.
At the ground level
It’s a dire situation in Jerusalem as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences. Hamas urged Palestinians to confront Israel at the Al Aqsa Mosque on Friday.
Recent years saw clashes in Jerusalem during the holy month. Al Aqsa, significant for both Muslims and Jews, is under tense surveillance.