Israel’s US ambassador slams Schumer’s ‘unhelpful’ anti-Netanyahu speech: ‘Israel is a sovereign democracy’

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Gilad Erdan, has criticized U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer for his anti-Netanyahu speech, calling it “unhelpful.” In his remarks, Erdan emphasized that Israel is a sovereign democratic nation and it’s up to the people of Israel to decide their own leadership.

Erdan noted that the interpersonal relationship between the leaders of the two nations should not affect the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Israel and the United States. He urged Schumer and other U.S. policymakers to respect Israel’s democratic processes.

Schumer had previously questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, going so far as to accuse him of lacking a plan to achieve peace with the Palestinians. This type of direct criticism of a foreign leader is fairly rare in U.S. politics, especially considering the close strategic relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

Erdan’s comments reflect the tension that sometimes occurs between allies when internal political disputes become intertwined with foreign policy.