Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) expressed his concern over Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) recent remarks about Israel, suggesting that they could potentially have a significant impact within the country. Schiff emphasized the potential seismic effect that Schumer’s comments could have on Israel’s political landscape.
Last week, Schumer criticized the Israeli government for obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and insisted on new elections in Israel to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Congressional Republicans denounced Schumer’s remarks, accusing him of attempting to interfere in Israel’s elections.
During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union with anchor Dana Bash, Schiff expressed his view on Schumer’s call for immediate elections in Israel. While he mentioned that he personally wouldn’t have gone as far as Schumer did, he emphasized that the Senate leader’s remarks should serve as a cautionary message for Israel.
BASH: I’m sure you heard the prime minister on the show a short while ago, rejecting the idea that he would commit to such elections. Where do you stand on this?SCHIFF: Well, you know, first of all, I want to highlight, that Chuck Schumer laid the responsibility for this war exactly where it lies. And that is with Hamas terrorists, that attacked and murdered and raped and tortured Israelis on October 7th and continues to hold hostages, continues, in a cowardly way, to use the Palestinian people as human shields, Hamas terrorists hiding behind women and children in Gaza. So the responsibility lies with Hamas. But I also agree with, Leader Schumer’s comments regarding the necessity of reducing civilian casualties in Gaza. And we are holding Israel to a high standard because we share not only national security interests with Israel, but also share our values with Israel. And while I wouldn’t go as far as the leader in setting out the timing of elections, the fact that Israel’s most staunch defender in the US Congress, Chuck Schumer, should be making these remarks should be an earthquake in Israel.We are Israel’s most important ally. We recognize Israel right to defend itself, but we also recognize the need for a two state solution. That ultimately is the way to not only resolve this conflict, but prevent future conflicts from taking place. So I think these remarks are incredibly important. And I as I would not go as far as them. I also recognize the significance of them coming from this incredible champion. The only other thing I want to mention, Dana, is the major impediment right now to assisting Israel in its duty to defend itself is the Republican leadership in the House, which will not bring up an Israel aid bill, even as it won’t bring up a Ukraine aid bill. And that has to change. We need to get that aid approved.
