Chuck Schumer: Mutual Peace Depends on Two-State Solution; Mitch McConnell: Israel Deserves U.S. Support

Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, the Democratic majority and Republican minority leaders of the Senate, expressed their views on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, March 15. Senator Schumer, in the beginning of his extensive speech lasting over 43 minutes, stated that "mutual peace and sustainable prosperity" for Israel and Palestinians is guaranteed through a two-state solution. Referring to his Jewish background, he mentioned that Israel, the Jews of the world, and Israel's friends are going through tough times. According to him, recent events show that Israel is surrounded by evil enemies. Senator Schumer, who referred to himself as the "highest elected Jewish official" in America, stated that in recent months he has met with families of victims of Hamas's "unimaginable cruelty" in the terrorist attack of October 7 and that he will "never forget the images of this wicked attack." This senior Democratic senator expressed regret that the October 7 attack showed that the "destruction" of Jews remains a "possibility." Schumer further noted that there are still 130 Israeli hostages held by Hamas and expressed support for the Biden administration's efforts to free these hostages. He stated that Hamas has received an agreement and must comply with it. Senator Schumer also expressed regret over the "humanitarian disaster" afflicting the residents of Gaza, stating that Palestinian civilians should not continue to be victims of Hamas and that Israel also has a "moral obligation" to perform better in its war against Hamas. He added that the U.S. government should provide more aid to the people of Gaza and exert more pressure on the Israeli government. Chuck Schumer emphasized Israel's right to defend itself, stating that the manner of doing so is important. The Senate Majority Leader added that blaming Israel unilaterally for the Gaza war is "unfair" and "deliberately deceptive" because Hamas's goal in killing as many civilians as possible was to provoke a severe reaction from Israel, and currently, Hamas forces are hiding behind Gazan civilians and using them as "human shields." He insisted that the media and those who only blame Israel should point out Hamas's use of civilians and address Hamas's "central role" in the ongoing war. The highest elected Jewish official in the U.S. government then addressed recent comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the two-state solution, calling it a major mistake for Israel, Palestinians, and the world. Senator Schumer referred to the two-state solution as the only "real" solution for achieving "mutual peace and sustainable prosperity," stating that both nations have historical claims to this land. He recalled the three-thousand-year presence of Jews in Israel and that for centuries the prayer "Next year in Jerusalem" has been on the lips of Jews, asserting that labeling Jews as "colonizers" is incorrect. The Senate Majority Leader pointed out that the only "fair" solution to end this dire humanitarian situation is the existence of two independent countries alongside each other, stating that achieving such a solution requires "real" and "meaningful" compromises from both sides. Senator Schumer opposed the one-state solution, arguing that such a state would have a Palestinian majority and that there is a risk of extremist groups like Hamas coming to power. He also stated that Jews, like other nations including Palestinians, have the right to have their own independent country. The Democratic Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate then identified four "major obstacles" to achieving the two-state solution. According to him, Hamas and its extremist Palestinian supporters, two extremist ministers in Netanyahu's government named Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and finally Benjamin Netanyahu are the four main obstacles to the realization of the two-state solution. Senator Schumer added that Mahmoud Abbas should resign and the Palestinian Authority should be broadly reformed. Regarding Netanyahu, he stated that especially after the October 7 Hamas attack, many Israelis have realized that Netanyahu's coalition government no longer meets Israel's needs and that elections should be held. Chuck Schumer stated that Israel cannot hope for success in the future as a "detested" government. Following Chuck Schumer, his Republican counterpart Mitch McConnell also delivered a speech lasting about 14 minutes, a short part of which addressed the conflicts in Gaza, stating: "The Jewish state of Israel deserves to have an ally that acts like an ally." The Republican minority leader in the Senate continued by saying: "The people of Israel, both inside and in captivity, deserve America's support." According to Senator McConnell, "The unity government and security cabinet of Israel deserve the respect that befits a democratic and independent country." Mitch McConnell further stated that major obstacles to peace in the Middle East are genocidal terrorists like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who have slaughtered innocent civilians. He added that the "corrupt" leaders of the Palestinian Authority are another major obstacle to peace, having repeatedly rejected various Israeli government calls for peace. Senator McConnell, in response to Chuck Schumer's "unprecedented" call for Netanyahu's government to resign, stated that it is "ridiculous and hypocritical" to demand the resignation of an elected prime minister of Israel while the U.S. condemns foreign interference in its elections. The Republican Senate minority leader added that the Democratic Party has a problem with anti-Israel sentiment, not with Netanyahu personally. He asserted that only Israeli citizens have the right to determine the policies of their government and country. The Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, reacted to Chuck Schumer's remarks about holding new elections in Israel by stating that Israel is not a weak country and that Netanyahu's policies enjoy widespread support from the Israeli people. According to the Likud party's statement, "Contrary to Schumer's claims, the people of Israel support a complete victory against Hamas, reject any international directive to create a Palestinian terrorist state, and oppose the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza." The statement from Netanyahu's party further added: "Senator Schumer is expected to respect the elected government of Israel and not undermine it." While the Biden administration calls for the establishment of a government for the Palestinians within the framework of a two-state solution, Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly opposed this idea in recent months. Following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of over 250 others, Israel launched an assault on Gaza aimed at destroying this Iran-backed Islamist group. Hamas officials have since repeatedly emphasized that if able, they will carry out such an attack again. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Netanyahu: The Israeli army will enter Rafah. Biden's approach to the Gaza war: Maintaining close relations with Israel while distancing from Netanyahu. Blinken: Ensuring civilian lives is a priority for the Biden administration, and the U.S. commitment to Israel is strong. Conflicts between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza continue. Israeli drone attack near the city of Tyre, Lebanon; one Hamas member killed. Qatar: We are not close to a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, but we hope so. Continued Israeli airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon; Hezbollah facilities targeted. Israeli Defense Minister: Iran is seeking terrorist attacks in the West Bank. New U.S. air aid to Gaza; CENTCOM: Tens of thousands of meals and water delivered to civilians. The Israeli army announced the condemnation of a commander for "unauthorized" destruction of the Gaza university. Israeli Defense Minister: Coordinated aid with the U.S. will accelerate the fall of Hamas. Reports: Egypt is working to resume ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. The Israeli army held exercises in preparation for a "potential war" in southern Lebanon. Biden: Netanyahu's approach is more harmful than helpful to Israel.