In a recent statement, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stood up for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) against the backlash he received for his comments on the need for a new election in Israel. Pelosi praised Schumer’s speech as a brave move.
Schumer, who holds the title of the most senior Jewish politician in the United States and is a fervent supporter of Israel, demanded new elections in a speech given on Thursday. He criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for losing his direction, particularly for his excessive tolerance of civilian casualties in Gaza, which, according to Schumer, is diminishing global support for Israel to unprecedented levels.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Schumer’s speech on Sunday, labeling it as “totally inappropriate.”
Pelosi, speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Dana Bash, argued that Netanyahu’s reaction underscored the importance of Schumer’s speech. She described Schumer’s address as both a brave and loving act towards Israel.
She further argued that Schumer’s call for attention is crucial, especially considering the potential damage to Israel’s reputation due to the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Netanyahu also accused Schumer of interfering with Israel’s democratic processes.
He stated, “We’re not a banana republic,” emphasizing that the focus should be on dismantling the terrorist governance in Gaza, not on internal political changes.
Pelosi also mentioned the need for the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, echoing sentiments previously expressed by the Biden administration and other Democrats.
Major aid organizations have highlighted a severe crisis in Gaza, with a looming famine threatening hundreds of thousands with starvation and lack of water.
Pelosi criticized Netanyahu for either not being aware of or ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pointing out the dire need for food and humanitarian aid that Israel has yet to permit.
In response to the crisis, President Biden has announced plans this month for the U.S. to establish a temporary port facility in Gaza. This initiative aims to facilitate aid delivery to the region, circumventing Israeli restrictions on ground transportation.