In an escalating exchange of criticism, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has sharply condemned Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his recent appeal for new leadership in Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The partisan divide over Israel, which has historically brought the two parties together, is now becoming more pronounced.

Speaking to CNN, McConnell stated that Schumer's speech directly contradicted long-standing US policy and urged the White House to diverge from this path. McConnell stressed the importance of not interfering in the internal affairs of democratic allies, especially in matters of leadership and elections. He emphasized that it was crucial to respect the choices made by the people in a democracy.

For years, Schumer had aligned himself with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but on Thursday, he broke ranks during his speech on the Senate floor by characterizing Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace. Schumer argued that the needs of Israel have changed significantly since October 7, and that the current governing vision is hindering progress.

Addressing the issue of Schumer's Jewish heritage and his long-standing support for Israel, McConnell pushed back, asserting that being Jewish did not exempt Schumer from advocating for positions inconsistent with the traditional approach of the United States towards democratic countries.

Notably, in his speech, Schumer expressed his deep concerns about the loss of innocent lives in Gaza. He emphasized the anguish felt by fellow Jewish Americans when witnessing the devastating images of casualties and destruction. However, McConnell refrained from criticizing the Israeli government and dismissed calls for imposing conditions on military aid, a stance some Democrats have adopted in hopes of reducing civilian casualties.

McConnell attributed the difficulties in the war in Gaza to micromanagement by the Biden administration and argued that Schumer should reconsider his call for regime change, directing attention instead to Iran. He advocated for the US to increase financial assistance by passing a supplemental spending bill but to refrain from interfering in Israel's choice of government or tactics.

While neither Schumer nor his office has responded to McConnell's criticism directly, Yair Lapid, the leader of Israel's opposition, highlighted Schumer's speech as evidence that Netanyahu is losing support among influential figures in the US.

The growing partisan divide over Israel within the US Congress reflects the changing dynamics on the ground in the Middle East. As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, both sides of the aisle are grappling with how to address the ongoing crisis while maintaining unity and respect for democratic processes.