Netanyahu's Virtual Meeting with Republican Senators; John Kirby: Support for Israel is a Bipartisan Issue

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized recent remarks by Chuck Schumer regarding his government during a virtual meeting with a group of Republican senators on Wednesday, March 21. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated that support for Israel is a longstanding bipartisan issue. According to the senators present at the meeting, Netanyahu spoke for about 15 minutes via video call with the Republicans and then answered their questions for about 45 minutes. Republican Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana commented on the virtual meeting, saying, 'Benjamin Netanyahu was clearly displeased with Chuck Schumer's recent remarks and the endorsement of those remarks by Joe Biden, but we made it clear to him that the U.S. remains supportive of Israel in its war against Hamas.' Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Senate Democrats, referred to the Israeli Prime Minister as an obstacle to peace on March 15, calling for elections in Israel and the replacement of Netanyahu, stating that high civilian casualties in Gaza have led to a decline in global support for Israel to its lowest level in the country's history. Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri also commented on the meeting, saying, 'Netanyahu is honest and transparent. He provided a very accurate update on the war and showed how concerned he is about civilians, emphasizing the continuation of the war until Hamas is destroyed, stating that little remains to achieve this goal.' John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, reacted to Netanyahu's conversation with the Republicans, saying, 'The Israeli Prime Minister can decide whom to speak with, but I think it's important to remember that U.S. support for Israel is a longstanding bipartisan issue in this country.' Kirby added, 'These discussions reflect the broad support of Americans for the people of Israel, and it is important that this bipartisan support remains.'