Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticizes Schumer's Israel election intervention on CNN
In a recent interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemns Senator Schumer's involvement in Israel's election process, emphasizing the need to prioritize diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages amidst ongoing conflicts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his disapproval of US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's recent remarks, stating that they were "totally inappropriate."
Schumer, who is known for his strong support of Israel and is the highest-ranking Jewish American in the US government, made a surprising statement during a Senate speech. He referred to Netanyahu as a "major obstacle" to achieving peace in the region.
In his interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union,” Netanyahu responded. He expressed his disagreement with what was said. Netanyahu stated that it is not right to interfere in the governance of another democracy. He emphasized the importance of respecting the elected leadership of a country.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington D.C, on March 12.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington D.C, on March 12.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
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“That’s something the Israeli public does on its own. We are not a banana republic,” he said.
Instead, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of focusing on "bringing down the Hamas tyranny."
When asked about the possibility of new elections once the war ends, Netanyahu deferred to the Israeli public, stating, "That's something for the Israeli public to decide." He also dismissed the idea as "ridiculous" to discuss while the conflict is still ongoing.
The humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian civilians in Gaza has worsened due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This has put more pressure on Democratic party leaders, including President Joe Biden, to adopt a tougher stance against Israel.
The United States has not yet seen a convincing plan for the Rafah crossing, which is crucial for providing aid to Gaza.
Netanyahu discussed the possibility of a hostage deal with Hamas during an interview with CNN. He mentioned that Israel is committed to finding a resolution that would result in the release of 100 hostages in exchange for a six-week ceasefire. Despite facing challenges due to Hamas' unrealistic demands, Netanyahu expressed determination to continue pursuing the deal in order to bring the hostages home.
"We know that the key to getting Hamas to cooperate is by keeping up the military pressure," stated Netanyahu.
"We will keep applying military pressure and we will keep working to rescue the hostages."
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip on Friday, March 15.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip on Friday, March 15.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
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Israel has criticized Hamas' recent ceasefire proposal as 'ridiculous', but has agreed to send negotiators to the upcoming talks. The Mossad Director, David Barnea, will be heading to Doha next week for further discussions as efforts continue to reach a truce.
Hamas has put forward a new proposal to Israel. They suggest releasing 700 to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of Israeli women, children, elderly, and sick hostages, including IDF soldiers. This information was confirmed by a diplomatic source who spoke to CNN and Reuters.
According to the proposal, after this initial exchange of hostages and prisoners, a permanent ceasefire would be established. Additionally, there would be a deadline set for Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
The White House expressed concern over Israel's lack of a "credible" plan to protect civilians in southern Gaza if a military operation in Rafah proceeds. This tension adds to the existing strains between the US and Israel. Despite international worries, Netanyahu confirmed his intentions to continue with the operation.
Netanyahu confirmed at a government meeting that operations in Rafah will proceed as planned. He emphasized that the process will span over several weeks and is guaranteed to occur.
This report includes contributions from CNN's Jeremy Diamond and Abeer Salman.
Editor's P/S:
The recent remarks by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "major obstacle" to peace, have sparked controversy. Netanyahu's response, emphasizing the importance of respecting elected leadership and focusing on addressing the Hamas threat, highlights the complex dynamics between the two countries.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has intensified the pressure on Democratic leaders to adopt a tougher stance against Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the lack of a clear plan for the Rafah crossing have added to the tensions. Netanyahu's determination to pursue a hostage deal with Hamas while continuing military pressure reflects the delicate balance he must strike in seeking a resolution. The upcoming negotiations in Doha provide an opportunity for progress, but the underlying challenges and differing perspectives make a swift and easy solution unlikely. continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both sides to prioritize the safety of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution.
