Biden backs Schumer after senator calls for new elections in Israel
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support Friday for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after the senator called for new elections in Israel, the latest sign that the U.S. relationship with its closest Middle East ally is careering toward fracture over the war in Gaza.
Schumer, a Jewish Democrat from New York, sent tremors through both countries this week when he said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost his way” and warned that “Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah” as the Palestinian death toll continues to grow.
“He made a good speech,” Biden said in the Oval Office during a meeting with Ireland’s prime minister. “I think he expressed serious concerns shared not only by him but by many Americans.”
The Democratic president did not repeat Schumer’s appeal for Israel to hold elections, a step that would likely end Netanyahu’s tenure because of mounting discontent with his leadership. But Biden’s comments reflect his own frustration with an Israeli prime minister who has hindered efforts to expand humanitarian assistance in Gaza and opposed the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
The latest point of friction has been Israel’s goal of pursuing Hamas into Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have fled to avoid fighting in the north. Netanyahu’s office said Friday that it approved a military operation that would involve evacuating civilians, but U.S. officials are concerned about the potential for a new wave of bloodshed.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Vienna, said, “We have to see a clear and implementable plan” to safeguard innocent people from an Israeli incursion.
“We have not seen such a plan,” he said.
However, Blinken said tough conversations between Israeli and American leaders do not mean the alliance is fraying.
“That’s actually the strength of the relationship, to be able to speak clearly, candidly and directly,” he said.
It’s possible that an attack on Rafah could be avoided. Negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of hostages are underway in Qatar, where Netanyahu agreed to send a delegation to continue talks.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. would not have its own team at the negotiations but will remain engaged in the process.
He also said it’s “up to the Israeli people to decide” whether there should be elections.
Asked about why Biden praised Schumer’s speech, Kirby said the president appreciated the senator’s “passion.”
Biden’s rhetoric on the war has evolved since the conflict began on Oct. 7, when Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis in a surprise attack.
The president immediately embraced Netanyahu and Israel while also warning against being “consumed” by rage.
Since then, Israel has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza. And while Biden continues to back Israel’s right to defend itself, he’s increased his criticisms of Netanyahu.
After his State of the Union speech this month, Biden said that he needed to have a “come to Jesus” conversation with Netanyahu. He also accused Netanyahu of “hurting Israel more than helping Israel” with his leadership of the war.
Biden is trying to navigate between a Republican Party with an “Israel right or wrong” mindset and a deeply divided Democratic Party, said Aaron David Miller, who has advised administrations from both parties on the Middle East.
He described the U.S. approach to Israel as “passive aggressive,” with escalating rhetoric but no concrete steps like withholding military assistance.
“I haven’t seen it,” Miller said. “And we’re six months into the war.”