Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced comments made by US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for new elections in Israel, as "totally inappropriate." In a Senate speech that went against longstanding US policy, Schumer referred to Netanyahu as a "major obstacle" to peace. Netanyahu, in a CNN interview with Dana Bash on "State of the Union," responded by stating that it is not acceptable for a sister democracy to intervene in the leadership of another country.

Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli public has the right to decide their own leadership and that Israel is not a "banana republic." Instead of focusing on replacing the elected leadership, he urged efforts to be directed towards addressing the "Hamas tyranny." The ongoing conflict with Hamas has led to a deteriorating humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, increasing pressure on Democratic party officials, including President Joe Biden, to adopt a tougher stance towards Israel.

When asked about the possibility of new elections once the war ends, Netanyahu stated that such a decision should be left to the Israeli public and dismissed discussing it during the ongoing conflict as "ridiculous."

Regarding negotiations for a potential hostage deal with Hamas, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel remains committed to securing the release of around 100 hostages in exchange for a six-week pause in fighting. However, he highlighted that Hamas' demands are making the negotiations more difficult, describing them as "outlandish." Netanyahu stressed that continued military pressure is necessary to incentivize Hamas to release the hostages.

Efforts for a truce are underway, with Mossad Director David Barnea scheduled to travel to Doha for further talks next week. Hamas has proposed a deal that involves the release of between 700 and 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli women, including IDF soldiers, children, elderly, wounded, and sick hostages. The proposal also envisions a permanent ceasefire and a deadline for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

In another development, the White House expressed its concerns over the safety of hundreds of thousands of civilians in southern Gaza if Israel proceeds with a military operation in Rafah. The Israeli government has yet to present a "credible" plan on how it would protect these civilians, according to the White House. Despite international concerns, Netanyahu confirmed his intentions to carry out the operation, stating that it would take several weeks to complete.