Schumer refuses Netanyahu request to speak to Democrats

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday refused a request from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak with Senate Democrats.

Netanyahu met with Senate Republicans in a closed-door virtual meeting on Wednesday. But a Schumer spokesperson said there would be no such meeting with Democrats and that any discussions with the Israeli leader should be bipartisan.

"Sen. Schumer made it clear that he does not think these discussions should happen in a partisan manner. That’s not helpful to Israel," the spokesperson said.

Schumer reiterated his position on meeting with Netanyahu during a press conference Wednesday.

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"As I said, when you make these issues partisan, you hurt the cause of Israel," the top Democrat told reporters.

Schumer's refusal of Netanyahu's request comes days after he labeled Netanyahu an obstacle to peace between Israel and Hamas in a speech on the Senate floor. Democrats have become increasingly critical of the Israeli government as war between Israel and Hamas drags on with mounting civilian casualties in Gaza.

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In his remarks, Schumer implored Israel to