Schumer: Netanyahu could prevent elections in Israel until 2026

• "I worry under his leadership, Israel would become such a pariah in the world and even in the United States, because I look at the numbers and they're rapidly decreasing," Schumer told the New York Times.
• "I had to speak out before it erodes."

Catch up quick: In a Senate speech on Thursday, Schumer called on Israel to hold elections for a new government to handle the threat of Hamas.

• He received a divided reaction.
• Netanyahu refused to commit to holding new elections when the war winds down and said Schumer's comments were "totally inappropriate."

The latest: In a meeting with American Jewish organization executives on Tuesday, Schumer defended his call for an election and the stance that Netanyahu is a danger to Israel, the Times of Israel reported.

• Polls published Friday in Israel found that the majority of Israelis want early elections and that Netanyahu would lose if they were held at this point.

Between the lines: Schumer only shared the content of his speech with a small circle of staff members and his wife, per the NYT.

• He alerted the White House the day before — just to ensure it wouldn't interfere with negotiations.
• President Biden backed Schumer's remarks, but told Netanyahu privately on Monday that he is not trying to undermine him politically.

Zoom out: For the first time in months, Israel and Hamas are negotiating deals to release hostages and prisoners and for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza.

Go deeper: Schumer calls for Israel elections and slams Netanyahu