On Thursday, the White House openly supported statements made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, advocating for new elections in Israel to replace Netanyahu. Schumer, a Democrat from New York, labeled Netanyahu as a significant barrier to peace.
The following day, President Biden commended Schumer’s speech, calling it “good.”
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, spoke on MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports” about the president’s approval. He mentioned that President Biden acknowledges the widespread American support for the sentiments Schumer passionately voiced.
Behind closed doors, White House officials echoed this supportive stance. One official mentioned that there was no concern or fuss about Schumer’s speech within the White House.
Schumer’s speech on the Senate floor brought to light the internal divisions within the Democratic Party. These divisions pose a challenge for the president as he seeks re-election. His stance is expected to empower progressives who demand a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Israel. They suggest using leverage, such as withholding aid and weapons transfers, to prompt changes in the Netanyahu government’s approach.
Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont praised Schumer’s speech but indicated it was just a beginning. He highlighted the global criticism of Netanyahu’s right-wing extremist government, which has led to severe hardships in Gaza, including the starvation of children. Sanders emphasized the need to stop funding Netanyahu’s military efforts.
However, not all Democrats share Schumer’s viewpoint on replacing Netanyahu. Senators John Fetterman from Pennsylvania and Jacky Rosen from Nevada expressed their disagreement. Rosen, facing a competitive re-election, emphasized that as a democracy, it’s up to the Israeli people to decide their political future.
This disagreement complicates efforts to pass a funding package for Ukraine and Israel. Progressives, like Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington, are against providing funds to these allies without setting conditions for Israel.
Biden initially adopted a supportive stance towards Israel after October 7, believing it to be the most effective way to influence Israel during its military actions against Hamas. However, this approach soon showed its limitations, with Israel not heeding Biden’s calls for increased protection of Palestinian civilians and more humanitarian aid for Gaza.
It has been a month since Biden and Netanyahu last spoke, with their last conversation on February 15 focusing on Rafah, according to the White House.
White House officials revealed that Biden was informed about Schumer’s speech beforehand, but there was no coordination with the senator. Biden’s comments last weekend, criticizing Netanyahu for harming Israel more than helping and for overlooking the loss of innocent lives, marked a significant shift in their relationship.
Biden expressed to MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart that Netanyahu’s actions contradict Israel’s values, calling it a grave mistake.