Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly taken aback by Vice President Kamala Harris’s unexpected public critique of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This surprising turn of events unfolded after a private meeting between Harris and Netanyahu, raising concerns about the implications for U.S.-Israel relations.
🚨 KAMALA HARRIS: “I told [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] that I will always ensure Israel is able to defend itself…”
Is Kamala the President now or something?? Why is SHE the one doing this?
She has no such power as VP.
pic.twitter.com/X99fvaPWw1— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 25, 2024
Following her private meeting with Netanyahu, Vice President Harris made a public statement condemning the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. Harris remarked that Israel had killed “far too many” civilians in the Gaza Strip, a comment that diverged sharply from the tone of the private discussions. According to an Israeli official who spoke to Axios, “Harris’ statement after the meeting was much more critical than what she told Netanyahu in the meeting.”
Trump: “Kamala Harris [who boycotted @netanyahu‘ speech] is totally against the Jewish people. And it amazes me how some Jewish people will vote for the Democrats when they are being treated so disrespectfully and badly. It’s shocking. I don’t get it.”
pic.twitter.com/feAeoJBO6k— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) July 25, 2024
The contrast between Harris’s private diplomacy and public criticism caught Netanyahu and his aides off guard. The Israeli Prime Minister had just concluded a series of high-profile meetings in Washington, including a pivotal Oval Office meeting with President Joe Biden. The discussions with Biden had primarily focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the fate of American hostages held by Hamas.
“To everyone who has been calling for a cease-fire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” Harris said after Netanyahu left the White House.
“What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating — the images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time,” she added. “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent.”
Harris’s remarks come at a delicate time for U.S.-Israel relations. President Biden and Netanyahu’s meeting in the Oval Office was intended to showcase a unified front against terrorism and a commitment to the safety of civilians. However, Harris’s public condemnation suggests a deeper division within the Biden administration regarding Israel’s military tactics.
Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Mar-A-Lago Video:
The Vice President’s comments also reflect growing criticism within the U.S. about Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Progressive factions within the Democratic Party have been increasingly vocal about what they perceive as disproportionate Israeli responses to Hamas attacks. Harris’s statement appears to align with these concerns, highlighting the Biden administration’s internal struggle to balance its support for Israel with the human rights concerns raised by its progressive base.
Harris’s unexpected criticism of Israel can be seen as a concession to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Conservatives argue that such public rebukes undermine Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist threats. The loss of civilian lives in Gaza, while tragic, is viewed as an unfortunate but unavoidable consequence of Israel’s defensive operations against Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the United States.
Critics within conservative circles assert that Harris’s comments may embolden Hamas and other hostile entities by signaling a lack of U.S. support for Israel’s military actions. They argue that such statements could weaken Israel’s strategic position and embolden its enemies, ultimately leading to greater instability in the region.
The recent escalation in Gaza has been one of the deadliest in years. Israel launched a series of airstrikes in response to rocket attacks by Hamas, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. The Israeli government maintains that its military actions are aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats and protecting its citizens.
Vice President Harris’s remarks underscore the Biden administration’s precarious position. While maintaining a longstanding alliance with Israel, the administration is also pressured to address humanitarian concerns and uphold international law. The balancing act is further complicated by domestic political dynamics, with progressive Democrats pushing for a more critical stance on Israel’s actions.
Harris’s critique is likely to have broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations. Netanyahu, known for his assertive defense policies, may perceive this as a signal of wavering support from a key ally. This could prompt Israel to adopt a more unilateral approach in its military operations, potentially escalating the conflict further.
Moreover, Harris’s public stance might influence other international actors to adopt a more critical view of Israel’s actions. This could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Israel and complicate its efforts to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
The U.S. must remain steadfast in its support for Israel, emphasizing the importance of a strong bilateral relationship in ensuring regional stability. Public criticisms like Harris’s can undermine diplomatic efforts and weaken the united front against terrorism.
The conservative viewpoint stresses that Israel’s right to self-defense must be unequivocally supported by its allies. Any perceived wavering in this support could embolden adversaries and lead to increased violence and instability. From this perspective, Harris’s remarks are seen as detrimental to both Israeli and U.S. interests, potentially compromising the broader goal of achieving lasting peace in the region.
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Eric Thompson