Republicans attack the Democrat for his ‘dangerous’ and ‘inappropriate’ call for new elections to replace Netanyahu and urge him to demand a vote in Gaza instead

House Republicans are opposing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for demanding new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Schumer, the top Jewish official in the US, argued in 45 minutes of remarks on Thursday that “after October 7, the Netanyahu coalition will no longer meet Israel’s needs.”

The Democratic leader said Netanyahu has “lost his way” by “putting his political survival ahead of Israel’s interests” and indicating he is not interested in forming a Palestinian state.

“This is not only deeply inappropriate, it is simply wrong,” Chairman Mike Johnson responded in improvised remarks to the press after Schumer delivered his most significant criticism yet of the Israeli leader.

“If Schumer wanted to focus on elections abroad, perhaps he should have called for elections in Gaza,” House GOP Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minnesota, told reporters at the House GOP retreat in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia.

Schumer, the US’s top Jewish official, argued in 45 minutes of remarks on Thursday that “the Netanyahu coalition will no longer meet Israel’s needs after October 7.”

“I will remind you that there have been no elections in Gaza since Hamas took power in 2006.”

“Schumer does not support Israel,” said Elise Stefanik, chairwoman of the Republican Conference of the House of Representatives, N.Y.

“Schumer owes an apology to the people of Israel who chose their leadership,” Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., added.

More than 1,200 Israelis were killed in the attack on Israel on October 7. More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s bloody counterattack aimed at eradicating Hamas, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Schumer said Netanyahu has joined “right-wing extremists” such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who he said are “pushing support for Israel worldwide to an all-time low.”

“Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah,” the majority leader said.

Emmer called his comments “unprecedented” and “very dangerous.”

“It is not our role to question democracy and elections,” said Secretary of State Mike McCaul, R-Texas.

Addressing Schumer, Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate over foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of Israel’s democratically elected leader.”

The White House said Schumer had given it advance notice of his comments and that it “respected his right” to make them. “No approval or disapproval” was expressed.

Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, having led in this role for more than sixteen years.

Schumer has long been a supporter of Israel – he is pictured here with Netanyahu in 2017

Palestinians shop at a local market next to a residential building destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, March 14, 2024

A displaced Palestinian child eats food from a box while sitting in a makeshift tent in a camp next to a street in Rafah on March 13, 2024

Schumer’s harsh criticism follows efforts by President Joe Biden and Democrats to increase pressure on Netanyahu to protect Palestinian civilians as he continues his offensive.

The Biden administration has also called for a temporary ceasefire to get aid to the Palestinians and allow the release of hostages captured by Hamas.

Netanyahu has vowed to fight until Hamas is destroyed – but some, like Schumer, are beginning to question his motives.

Schumer also criticized Palestinians who support Hamas, and said Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas should also step aside.

“For there to be any hope for peace in the future, Abbas must resign and be replaced by a new generation of Palestinian leaders who will work to achieve peace with a Jewish state,” Schumer said.