Biden reaches out to Netanyahu following Schumer’s call for his removal

President Joe Biden is set to have a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, as per a reliable source, following recent tensions exacerbated by criticism from the top Senate Democrat.

This call will mark the first communication between the two leaders since February 15th and comes at a time of heightened friction between Israel and its strongest supporter over Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict in Gaza that resulted from Hamas’ fatal attack on October 7th.

The White House has not yet confirmed any scheduled call. Axios was the first to report on the anticipated conversation, citing unnamed sources.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a long-time advocate for Israel and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the Senate, called for fresh elections in Israel last Thursday, labeling Netanyahu as a barrier to peace.

Biden lauded Schumer’s remarks the following day, stating that Schumer had voiced the concerns of many Americans.

In response, Netanyahu strongly criticized Schumer’s speech on Sunday in an interview with CNN, deeming it as “completely inappropriate.”