By EEW News Correspondent Tania Lowe // Israel-Hamas War // Politics

*Left to Right:* Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israel's envoy to the US, Michael Herzog (Credit: EEW Magazine Online)

As the dust settles on Gaza, Israel's envoy to the US, Michael Herzog, has taken umbrage with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's outspoken critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governance, amidst calls for fresh Israeli elections.

Herzog, representing Israel's interests stateside, admonished Schumer's assertions as the Jewish state grapples with the aftermath of the deadly Oct. 7 terrorist onslaught by Hamas. Over 1,200 lives have been lost, while numerous others remain captive.

"Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals," Herzog insisted.

The US Senate's most senior Jewish member, Schumer, did not mince words as he lambasted Netanyahu on the Senate floor, citing missteps that have purportedly placed Israel's global support in jeopardy.

"I believe in his heart, his highest priority is the security of Israel," Schumer acknowledged. "However, I also believe Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel."

Netanyahu's alleged tolerance of Gaza's civilian casualties, Schumer suggests, is alienating Israel on the world stage, risking pariah status. Schumer's critique trailed a GOP overture extended to Netanyahu, inviting him to speak at their retreat, a role Herzog filled due to the Prime Minister's scheduling conflict, as reported by the New York Times.

Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 men, women and children hostage. (Credit: AP)

According to The Times of Israel, a “very senior” Israeli official hit back at Schumer, saying, “Israel is not a protectorate of the US but an independent and democratic country whose citizens are the ones who elect the government. We expect our friends to act to overthrow the terror regime of Hamas and not the elected government in Israel.”

Schumer's rebuke encompassed a wider cast of actors he deems detrimental: "Hamas, and the Palestinians who support and tolerate their evil ways, radical, right-wing Israelis in government and society, [and] Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas." For Schumer, elections stand as the panacea that could recalibrate Israel's course.

"The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7. The world has changed – radically – since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past," Schumer opined.

Championing a two-state solution, Schumer envisions "a demilitarized Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in equal measures of peace, security, prosperity and dignity."

"As a democracy, Israel has the right to choose its own leaders, and we should let the chips fall where they may," Schumer stated. "But the important thing is that Israelis are given a choice. There needs to be a fresh debate about the future of Israel after Oct. 7."

Netanyahu's stance against a two-state compromise remains firm, with a commitment to Israeli security oversight over territories west of Jordan, in stark contrast to Palestinian aspirations for sovereignty over Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, with Jerusalem as the capital.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell countered Schumer's position, underscoring the necessity of unwavering US support for Israel's democratic processes, implicitly criticizing the call for new elections as "unprecedented."

"Israel's unity government and security cabinet deserve the deference befitting a sovereign democratic country," McConnell declared, aligning with the sentiment of steadfast alliance.