‘Israel isn’t a banana republic’: Netanyahu’s Likud lays into Schumer for pushing elections to replace PM

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US Senator Chuck Schumer speaks at the Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City, December 12, 2022. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)
US Senator Chuck Schumer speaks at the Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City, December 12, 2022. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party lays into US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after he called for Israeli elections to replace Netanyahu.

“Israel is an independent and proud democracy that elected Prime Minister Netanyahu, not a banana republic,” the party says in a statement.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu leads a determined policy that is supported by a huge majority of the people.”

“Contrary to Schumer’s words, the Israeli public supports a complete victory over Hamas, rejects any international dictates to establish a Palestinian terrorist state, and opposes the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza,” Netanyahu’s party claims without providing proof.

“It is expected of Senator Schumer to respect Israel’s elected government and not undermine it. This is always true, but even more so during wartime.”

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