Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday hailed Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer’s recent criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The California Democrat called remarks by Mr. Schumer, New York Democrat, for new elections and Mr. Netanyahu’s ouster over his handling of the war against Hamas an “act of courage.”
“The prime minister’s presentation proved the necessity of Chuck Schumer’s speech,” Mrs. Pelosi said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Chuck Schumer’s speech was an act of courage, an act of love for Israel.”
A recent floor speech from Mr. Schumer, who is Jewish, split the Democratic Party over what critics said was tantamount to calls for a regime change of a close U.S. ally.
Mr. Netanyahu on Sunday responded to Mr. Schumer’s “totally inappropriate” remarks.
Mrs. Pelosi suggested any response was a sign of weakness.
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“The fact that he made this statement should be listened to because Israel’s reputation is at risk because of what is happening in Gaza,” she said.