Schumer's speech epitomizes US frustration with Israeli policy - comment

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Author: STEVE LINDE
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

At the outset of the speech, Schumer noted that his name is derived from the Hebrew word shomer, meaning "guardian," and while stating clearly that his first responsibility is to America and New York, as the highest-ranking Jewish American official in the US he also keenly felt his responsibility as "shomer Yisrael – a guardian of the people of Israel." That is why, he explained, he felt an "immense obligation" to speak out

"The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7," Schumer declared. "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. Five months into this conflict, it is clear that Israelis need to take stock of the situation and ask 'Must we change course?' At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government."

US frustration with Israeli policy

Schumer's chutzpadik speech was extraordinary not only because it was delivered by a Jewish New York Democrat with a long record of support for Israel but also because it signaled a peak in US frustration with Israeli policy. The speech enraged Netanyahu, who accused Schumer of interfering in Israeli politics during a war. "It's inappropriate to go to a sister democracy and try to replace the elected leadership there," he told CNN. "That's something the Israeli public does on its own. We are not a banana republic."

Asked by reporters about the speech a day later, Biden backed Schumer, saying, "He made a good speech. He expressed serious concerns, shared not only by him but by many Americans." Following his State of the Union speech, the president was caught on a hot mic saying that Netanyahu needed a "come-to-Jesus moment." Explaining the comment to MSNBC, Biden said the PM was "hurting...