Schumer, the Senate majority leader, is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history. But during a 40-minute speech on the Senate floor yesterday, Schumer blasted the Israeli prime minister. He called on Israel to hold new elections, saying he believes Netanyahu has "lost his way" in Israel's response to the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 during which more than 1,200 Israeli men, women, and children were massacred. He also accused the Israeli leader of being a "far right extremist" and an obstacle to peace in the region.
Schumer's speech drew a swift reprisal from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. "Israel deserves an ally that acts like one," McConnell stated, adding that foreign observers "ought to refrain from weighing in" when Israel is defending its right to exist.
From the other side of the Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson offered this: "It's just plain wrong for an American leader to play such a divisive role in Israeli politics while our closest ally in the region is in an existential battle for its very survival."
The reaction from the White House, however, likely pleased Schumer.
"He made a good speech," President Joe Biden said in the Oval Office during a meeting Friday with Ireland's prime minister. "I think he expressed serious concerns shared not only by him but by many Americans."
Bibi is more popular than Biden
Gary Bauer is chairman of the Campaign for Working Families and serves on the executive board of Christians United for Israel. He was appalled by Schumer's remarks.
"It is disgusting and outrageous to see Senator Schumer interfering in the politics and elections of the nation of Israel," says the conservative activist. "I guess he figures when he and his party use shenanigans during elections right here in the United States, why not try to do it in Israel, too?"
As for McConnell's comments: "I'm glad that Mitch McConnell took to the floor of the Senate in response and said out loud what we all know: the Democrat Party has a problem when it comes to Israel."
And Schumer, Bauer tells AFN, ought to be ashamed of himself for suggesting that Netanyahu's handling of the Israel-Hamas war is "pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows." In fact, says Bauer, Netanyahu "is more popular in Israel even today than the position that Senator Schumer took on the floor of the Senate as well as the current president of the United States of Schumer's own party."
In short, Bauer argues, "Benjamin Netanyahu is more popular than Joe Biden."
What a stupid thing to say
GOP Congressman Randy Weber of Texas also reacted to Schumer's remarks on the Senate floor criticizing the Israeli prime minister.
"[Schumer was] calling for Israeli elections to, what, depose Benjamin Netanyahu? What nerve and what short-sightedness – and, I would even add, what stupidity," Weber exclaimed. "In case he's forgotten, Israel didn't invade the Hamas regime; it was the other way around."
Weber questioned the senator's rationale in calling for a regime change of America's best ally. "I wonder where [Senator Schumer stands] on Iran? I wonder where he is on Russia; on China? How about Hezbollah? How about Hamas? If I can be so bold to ask: How about a regime change in the White House? This is ridiculous what they're doing to our best ally, Israel."
Biden is struggling in election polls in high Muslim-population centers like Michigan and Minnesota, a factor some suggest could be behind the administration's deteriorating relationship with Israel.
"[Biden] said Netanyahu is fighting for his [political] survival. No, he's not!" exclaimed Weber. "Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for Israel's survival. This is an existential threat to them – so, I just can't believe that Schumer would come out with something like this.
"But then again, it's an election year; I hope our Jewish friends [or anybody] around the country who might support Chuck Schumer now might think twice about supporting him."
Rep. Weber made his comments on Washington Watch on Thursday.
