Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.) defended Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) speech regarding Israel, urging the public to consider his complete remarks rather than just his comments about leadership in Israel.
Cardin stated in an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press” that people should listen to Schumer’s entire speech as it reflects his sincere beliefs for achieving peace.
He emphasized that Schumer made it clear that Hamas needs to be removed for there to be peace in the Middle East, and that Israel has the right to defend itself against the responsibility which lies with Hamas for the current situation.
Cardin explained that Schumer's comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being an “obstacle” to peace were about how the country can move forward after the war.
He noted that Schumer was discussing the steps needed to achieve peace in the region, emphasizing the necessity of security, authority for Palestinians and Israelis, and the path to a two-state solution.
Cardin added that Schumer was clear that it's up to the Israeli system to provide clear direction on their choice of leaders.
When asked if he would call Netanyahu an obstacle to peace, Cardin said, “I think it’s up to the Israelis to determine their own leaders.”
He acknowledged challenges with the Netanyahu coalition before October 7, but highlighted the unity due to the war and expressed interest in seeing what happens after the war.
