Schumer calls on Israel to hold new election amid war
Newsy
The United States' highest-ranking Jewish official said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a "major obstacle to peace."
In remarks from the Senate floor, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called on Israel to hold a new election, expressing his opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Schumer is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history. He called Netanyahu a "major obstacle to peace." He also said that Hamas, and the Palestinians who support and tolerate them, radical right-wing Israelis in government and society, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas were also "major obstacles to peace."
Unlike the U.S., which has scheduled four-year terms for presidents, Israel has a parliamentary form of government. While Israel can go up to four years without a new election, elections tend to happen more frequently.
The country has held five parliamentary elections since early 2019. Netanyahu's Likud Party has won the last three elections.
Schumer's comments come five months into an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel has continued its offensive against Hamas, which has forced most residents of Gaza to flee from their homes.
