For years now, Israel has enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Has that time of blessing come to an end?

From NBC News. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke virtually to Republican senators during a closed-door meeting Wednesday and found a welcome reception.

Who is praying on the wall?

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., declined a request by Netanyahu to address the Senate Democratic Caucus, a spokesperson for Schumer said, adding: “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 split-screen highlights the polarizing American views of Netanyahu and Israel’s conduct in Gaza, which has led to cracks in what was once rock-solid bipartisan support for Israel’s government. …

“When you make these issues partisan, you hurt the cause of Israel,” Schumer told reporters, standing by his call last week for new elections in Israel.

Schumer has drawn condemnation from Republicans for the speech, in which he said Netanyahu has “lost his way” and put his own political interest above the survival of Israel. …

On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he told Netanyahu directly that he disagrees with Schumer.

“I made it clear to him that it’s not the business of the United States to be giving a democratic ally advice about when to have an election or what kind of military campaign they’re conducting,” McConnell told reporters. …

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said Netanyahu was asked about Schumer’s comments about a new election in Israel.

“He was very direct, he said he thought that Sen. Schumer’s remarks were wholly inappropriate and outrageous,” Hawley said. “And obviously he took great offense.” …

What do you think of this situation? Share this article to set others to thinking and praying over it.

(Excerpt from NBC News. Wikimedia Commons)