Schumer Calls for new Leadership in Israel, Scott Responds

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) has taken to the Senate floor to call for new leadership in Israel. With Democrats facing growing protests regarding their response to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Senator Schumer is making it clear that Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has to go. Calling him "an obstacle to peace," he has called for new elections to take place. In response, Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) has slammed Senate Majority Leader Schumer, calling his comments "dangerous & undemocratic."

Senator Schumer took to the Senate floor today to criticize Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying that "as a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7. The world has changed, radically, since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past."

He went on to claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu is pursuing “dangerous & inflammatory policies that test existing U.S. standards for assistance," and he called on Israelis to ask themselves, "must we change course?"

“At this critical juncture, I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government.”

Taking to social media to respond to the senate majority leader's comments, Senator Scott denounced his remarks, calling them an example of "coercion" as well as "dangerous & undemocratic." "America must stand strongly with Israel’s elected leadership, not threaten it as it fights terrorism that wants to destroy it."

In his speech, Senator Schumer argued that new leadership in Israel would ensure "the path forward to secure mutual peace and lasting prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians."