Schumer’s rebuke of Netanyahu exemplifies US leaders skirting an unwritten rule on allies’ elections

By AAMER MADHANI
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans and Israeli officials were quick to express outrage after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer lashed out at Prime Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza and called for Israel to hold new elections. They accused the Democratic leader of breaking the unwritten rule against interfering in a close ally’s electoral politics. Schumer’s stinging rebuke of Netanyahu was certainly provocative, but it was hardly norm-breaking. U.S. leaders, as well as allies, are more frequently butting into electoral politics beyond the water’s edge. Schumer is perhaps the most striking example.