Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said on Sunday that although he wouldn't go as far as Chuck Schumer's recent call for new elections in Israel, he thinks Schumer's remarks should be a major concern in Israel.
Schiff explained in an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union” that while he wouldn't go as far as Schumer in suggesting the timing of elections, it's significant that Israel’s strong supporter in the U.S. Congress, Chuck Schumer, is making these comments. He emphasized that the US is Israel's most important ally and acknowledges Israel’s right to defend itself.
Schumer made the statement last week. argued It's time for new elections, according to Schumer, who said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost his way.” The remarks drew a criticism. The remarks were criticized. Republicans criticized Schumer, saying he was trying to interfere with Israel’s elections.
In a significant speech about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Schumer stated that Netanyahu is in a coalition with “far-right extremists” and “has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza.” Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history, supported President Biden’s call for a temporary pause in fighting and advocated for a two-state solution in the region.
Schiff mentioned on Sunday that Chuck Schumer rightly placed the responsibility for the war on Hamas terrorists. He also agreed with Schumer's comments on the need to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza.
Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7 resulted in about 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and around 250 people taken hostage. Israel’s retaliatory bombardment of Gaza has caused over 31,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Associated Press. Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. according to the Associated Press. Hamas, known as a U.S.-designated terrorist group, has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007.
Schiff mentioned that the U.S. holds Israel to a high standard and acknowledges the need for a two-state solution.
He emphasized the significance of Schumer's remarks, stating that they are vital for resolving the conflict and preventing future ones, while also acknowledging Schumer as a significant advocate.
Schiff, the Democratic candidate for California’s Senate race, is vying for the seat vacated by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), which is currently being filed by appointee Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), who opted against a primary bid.
Netanyahu referred to Schumer’s comments as “totally inappropriate” in a separate interview on “State of The Union.” in a separate interview on “State of The Union.” Netanyahu expressed in a separate interview on “State of The Union” that he found Schumer’s comments to be “totally inappropriate.”
Netanyahu felt that it was inappropriate to try to replace the elected leadership in a sister democracy and emphasized that the Israeli public should handle such decisions on its own. He stressed that Israel is not a banana republic and that the only government that should be targeted for removal is the terrorist rule in Gaza.