Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has seen an uptick in popularity, which some attribute to the intensifying critique from U.S. officials, including prominent Democrats. This dynamic was underscored by Senator Chuck Schumer's potent speech on the Senate floor, calling for new Israeli elections in light of the nation's ongoing conflict with Hamas.
"As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7," Schumer said Thursday on the floor of the Senate. "The world has changed, radically, since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past."
Schumer's remarks sent shockwaves throughout Israel as the country aims to root out the last vestiges of the Hamas terrorist organization in Rafah, Gaza, as part of its ongoing self-defense war. A survey published by Israel's Channel 14 on Wednesday, a day before Schumer's broadside, indicated that Netanyahu's conservative bloc could potentially gain an additional six seats in the parliament, securing 56 seats in the Israeli Knesset to form a new government.
Mideast expert Caroline Glick told Fox News Digital that the criticism from Schumer and the White House only serves to strengthen Netanyahu politically. "Schumer spoke about Netanyahu, but Netanyahu is simply acting in accordance with the demands of the public. As a result, calls from Schumer and the White House for Netanyahu's ouster only strengthen him politically," Glick said.
The law of unintended consequences might also work in Netanyahu's favor, as his support could solidify and he could gain new followers due to Schumer's efforts to dislodge a sitting head of state. Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish politician in Congress, has drawn criticism from Israelis across the political spectrum for his perceived interference in Israel's internal affairs.
"Charles Schumer, like the Biden administration, fundamentally misunderstands the war, and, as a result, cannot understand Israel's behavior," said Glick, a former adviser to Netanyahu. "This is not a tactical battle. This is a strategic contest for survival. Either Israel survives or Hamas survives. Israelis overwhelmingly understand this, which is why 75% of Israelis demand the conquest of Rafah and oppose Palestinian statehood."
Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren expressed his disapproval of Schumer's call for new elections, writing on X, "Regardless of my opinion of Netanyahu and his fitness to serve, Senator Schumer's call for new Israeli elections is deeply disrespectful of our democracy and sovereignty. Israel is an ally, not a vassal state."
On the streets of Jerusalem, opinions were divided. Dov Fox, seated outside with his family at a café in the German Colony neighborhood, told Fox News Digital, "I don't think foreign politicians should be dictating how foreign countries should vote." While recognizing Schumer's contributions to Israel, he described the senator's speech as an "overstepping of boundaries."
Avi Kay, another Israeli, acknowledged Schumer's central role in the U.S.-Israel relationship but expressed concerns about Netanyahu's motivations. "Bibi is more interested in staying in power and that is not advantageous," Kay said, using Netanyahu's nickname.
As Netanyahu faces the ultimate test of his leadership following the Hamas massacre of 1,200 people on Oct. 7, his legacy and political survival hang in the balance. The long and fragile line that the U.S. and its allies walk on interference in each other's electoral politics has been highlighted by the reactions to Schumer's comments.
Republicans and Israeli officials were quick to express outrage, accusing the Democratic leader of breaking the unwritten rule against interfering in a close ally's electoral politics. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called Schumer's remarks "hypocritical," while House Speaker Mike Johnson deemed them "inappropriate."
However, history shows that U.S. leaders and American allies have frequently butted into each other's electoral politics, particularly in the close and historically complicated relationship between American presidents, congressional leaders, and Israeli leaders over the last 75 years.
As Israel navigates its protracted conflict with Hamas, the voices from the U.S., including Schumer's assertive stance, contribute to an evolving narrative of alliance, opposition, and the pursuit of peace and stability in the region. The unfolding events reflect the challenges and intricacies of leadership in times of crisis and the enduring significance of international solidarity and respect for sovereign decisions.
