Chuck Schumer described Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace (French)

The American newspaper "Politico" said that a rebuke directed at Israel by the leader of the Democratic majority in the US Senate, Chuck Schumer, puts the Zionist lobby in America, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), in a sensitive position.

She explained that Schumer issued a sharp rebuke last Thursday to the Israeli leadership amid the war with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).

In a statement, he described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “major obstacle to peace” and said that there is a need to hold new elections in Israel.

The newspaper pointed out that AIPAC's reaction, so far (on Friday), is largely silence, and did not even mention Schumer's name in its response to his statements. Instead, the group emphasized Israel's sovereignty, called for more resources for it, and threw Blaming Hamas for the conflict.

Breaking a long-standing tradition

The newspaper commented that Schumer's rebuke of the Israeli leadership broke a long-standing precedent in American foreign policy, and that AIPAC's almost silent reaction underscores the difficulties it faces in a conflict that is testing its political influence. The war in Gaza has also proven to be increasingly risky for Democrats, and makes things difficult. Comfortable between AIPAC and some old allies in the party.

She stated that the Democrats are under pressure from their base to put pressure on Israel, and this makes things uncomfortable between AIPAC and some old allies in the party.

AIPAC was put in a difficult position

"Politico" quoted Bobby Rechnitz, a businessman close to Netanyahu in California, as saying that Schumer's speech put "AIPAC" in a "difficult position," noting that this group has not historically pursued American leaders in power, such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the leader of... Majority leader, minority leader, incumbent president, or secretary of state.

Rechnitz said that AIPAC may be uncomfortable with these statements, and may be shocked by them, but in terms of work, "I don't know what they can do to try to influence change at this point by making this kind of talk."

Looking forward to the demise of progressives

The newspaper indicated that the group is on its way to spending $100 million during the 2024 cycle to help elect pro-Israel candidates, and is looking forward to the demise of progressives whom it considers hostile to Israel.

She added that among the group's targets are Representatives Jamaal Bowman (D-New York) and Cori Bush (D-Missouri), who face strong competitors.

It quoted Schumer himself as saying that his long relationship with AIPAC goes beyond any president or prime minister.

One of Schumer's former aides said that his statements appeared to be for "local" marketing only, and his statements appeared to be political in nature, given the level of concern within his party about Israel's actions.

Source: Politico