US Senator condemned for criticising Israel PM Netanyahu

WASHINGTON: United States Senator and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer received huge backlash when he criticed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the current Israel-Palestine conflict in a speech delivered on Thursday

The speech sparked controversy among supporters of Israel and raised questions about US involvement in Israeli politics.

The Democrat, hailing from New York, delivered a 40-minute-long address in the US Senate. He addressed various issues related to Israel, including its conflict with Hamas and the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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In his speech, Schumer declared his country’s firm support for Israel and pledged to stand by the country through any challenges it faced.

However, he also criticised Netanyahu’s government, describing it as “an obstacle to peace.” The US Senator called for new elections in Israel to “bring about change”.

The speech faced heavy condemnation from pro-Israel Republicans and other parties within the US. Schumer was accused of meddling in Israeli affairs and “undermining [Israel’s] elected leadership”.

Elliott Abrams from the Council on Foreign Relations described Schumer’s remarks as “an unprecedented interference in the internal politics of another democracy.”

Despite the backlash, Schumer’s address brought to light the contentious Palestine-Israel issue and the United States’ role in the conflict. Many pointed to Schumer’s address as highlighting the delicate balance the US must play between supporting Israel as a key ally while also advocating for changes that align with broader strategic interests within the Middle East.

His address also deepened the existing divide within American politics between Republicans and Democrats over how to approach the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Meanwhile, Schumer’s niece, comedian Amy Schumer similarly courted controversy last year with her pro-Israel stance. In November 2023, at the start of the current Israel-Palestine conflict, she took to her Instagram account to express support for Israel and criticise Hamas’s actions.

Her posts were widely condemned and faced huge backlash from the pro-Palestine crowd. She was accused of promoting violence and the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

Following the backlash, the comedian backtracked, calling for peace and safety “for all parties”, regardless of “their background”.

Despite the backlash, she maintained her stance, defending her pro-Israel views. She did, however, call for “unity and empathy” on the Israel-Palestine issue.