Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer mentioned Sunday he felt an obligation to listen to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu communicate to Congress final week — however to not shake the prime minister’s hand.
“I went to this speech as a result of the connection between Israel and America is ironclad and I needed to indicate that,” Schumer (D-N.Y.) mentioned, when requested why he didn’t shake Netanyahu’s hand in an interview with Robert Costa on CBS “Face the Nation.” “However on the similar time, as everybody is aware of, I’ve severe disagreements with the best way Benjamin Netanyahu has carried out these insurance policies.”
Netanyahu’s handle to Congress on Wednesday was warmly obtained by a lot of these in attendance, however was met with severe backlash — with dozens of Democrats not attending the speech attributable to points with Netanyahu’s dealing with of the battle in Gaza. And even amongst those who attended, some Democrats issued statements condemning Netanyahu’s remarks.
Former Speaker of the Home Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who didn’t attend the handle, referred to as Netanyahu’s speech “by far the worst presentation of any overseas dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of america” in a post on X. When Schumer was requested about Pelosi’s phrases, and whether or not he regretted Netanyahu’s invitation to handle Congress, Schumer mentioned the Israel-U.S. relationship shouldn’t be depending on anyone chief.
“As I’ve mentioned, I needed to indicate our ironclad dedication to Israel that transcends anyone prime minister or anyone president,” Schumer mentioned. “Regardless of how a lot you may disagree with that prime minister.”
