Good evening. One of the most prominent figures in american politics, the Majority Leader in the senate, has called for new elections in israel. Chuck schumer says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his way and accused him of pushing support for israel to new lows. Mr schumer, a democrat, and the highest ranking jewish official in america, also called for the Palestinian Authority president , mahmoud abbas, to step down, saying a new generation of leaders was needed, to work towards peace. All this comes as the us imposed sanctions on three extremist Israeli Settlers in the occupied west bank, whove been accused of harassing and attacking palestinians. The Settler Movement is controversial with many countries, including the uk, which sees israel as an occupying power, and the settlements as illegal. Israel disputes this. West Bank Violence has surged since the start of the gaza war, triggered by hamas s attack on israel on october seventh. The us and uk have already imposed fin
Republicans have already hit back at his words. Schumer is one of americas highest ranking jewish politicians and a close ally of President Biden. Heres some of what he had to say in the senate. The fourth major obstacle to peace is israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has all too frequently bowed to the demands of extremists like ministers smotrich and ben gvir and the settlers in the west bank. The State Department has responded to Chuck Schumer s comments, stressing they are not a reflection of President Biden s position. Obviously, congress is an independent branch of government. I think the government of israel understands quite well how the Us Government works. They interact frequently, notjust with members of the executive branch, but with members of congress, including senator schumer, who has travelled to israel a number of times over the years. And im sure they fully understand that he speaks for himself. Hes obviously someone we are in close contact with, but not a