The US Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, has urged Israel to conduct elections to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst signs of strain in their once solid and amicable alliance.

As the highest-ranking Jewish official in the US government, Schumer stated on Thursday that Netanyahu has veered off course. While leaders in Washington have typically refrained from openly criticizing Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict, Schumer's remarks mark a significant increase in US scrutiny of the Israeli government.

Having been a steadfast supporter of Israel throughout his 25-year tenure in the Senate, Schumer cautioned that the mounting casualties in Gaza could isolate Israel internationally. Speaking in the Senate, he condemned Netanyahu's prioritization of political survival over Israel's best interests.

Schumer emphasized the need for Israel to make significant adjustments and enhance measures to safeguard civilians in Gaza

Israel's leaders were quick to reproach the senator, with Mr. Netanyahu's Likud party saying Israel is not a "banana republic" and that the prime minister's policies are "supported by a large majority".

"It is expected of Senator Schumer to respect Israel's elected government and not undermine it," the party said.

Israel's ambassador in Washington, Michael Herzog, also attacked the remarks, writing on X that it was "unhelpful" and "counterproductive" to comment on "the domestic political scene of a democratic ally".

The statement from one of America's most powerful political leaders come on the heels of pointed critiques from White House.

Washington leaders from both parties, including President Joe Biden, have mostly refrained from criticising how Mr Netanyahu has handled the conflict, which began when Hamas gunmen stormed into southern Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 others hostage.

While the US remains Israel's closest ally and biggest provider of military aid, concerns have been mounting within the Biden administration and among some members of his own party over Israel's handling of the war.

Mr Biden, who is running again for the White House, is also facing political pressures in this presidential election year.

A coalition of Arab-American voters have organised successful protest efforts during the Democratic primary process, a sign of growing restlessness in the Democratic base about the situation in Gaza.

Cracks began to publicly emerge between the two governments recent weeks, with Mr Biden warning Israel against expanding its invasion into the city of Rafah, which he called a "red line".

In his State of the Union address last week, Mr Biden also called Israel's response in the territory "over the top".

After the speech, he was caught on a hot mic telling a concerned senator that he and the Israeli leader would soon have a "come to Jesus moment".

And President Biden has become increasingly vocal in calling for Israel to let more humanitarian aid into the enclave, with "no excuses".

Nonetheless, the White House was quick to distance itself from Mr Schumer's comments on Thursday.

Spokesperson John Kirby said that while the Senate leader had a right to his opinion, administration officials were focused on working with Israel on its defence.

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