So what does the Democrat from New York want? He hopes a different Israeli Prime Minister would advance a two-state solution of the sort Mr. Netanyahu has resisted. This reflects the political neurosis developing among Democrats, who wish some deus ex machina would allow Israel to “win” the war against Hamas in a way that would minimize the anger of the anti-Israel left in the U.S.
This is foolish on the merits, and Mr. Schumer’s intervention may backfire in Israel, where it was roundly denounced Thursday as unwelcome interference. It’s not obvious any Israeli politician would rush after Oct. 7 to negotiate with the Palestinians over a state unless or until Hamas is defeated in Gaza—at a minimum. The idea that Israel is the obstacle to Middle East peace, rather than the Iranian regime sponsoring terror proxies across the region, is so naive it’s more suited to a faculty lounge than the Senate floor.
The bigger problem is Mr. Schumer’s own surrender. Rather than placating the anti-Israel left in his party, he and President Biden ought to be trying to lead them.
The first half of Mr. Schumer’s speech largely set out the reasons that friendship with Israel remains in America’s national interest, and what’s at stake for Israel in its war. As uncharacteristic as it would have been for Mr. Schumer, it would have been better for his country, his party, Israel and his own reputation if he had left it at that and stopped talking.
