And suggested mr netanyahu risked making his country a pariah. 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 Bidens 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.