Vice President Kamala Harris is working to bridge divides within the Democratic Party over the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself while also focusing on alleviating Palestinian suffering. Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, showcasing a delicate balancing act on a contentious issue. She highlighted the need to address the tragedies in Gaza and emphasized the importance of not becoming numb to the suffering. Harris refrained from discussing military assistance for Israel, instead focusing on ending the conflict, releasing hostages held by Hamas, and rebuilding Gaza.
Harris aimed to shift the conversation away from the binary nature of the war in Gaza and urged Americans to consider the nuanced complexities of the situation. She made a direct appeal to voters who have called for a ceasefire, acknowledging their yearning for peace. Despite facing criticism for not attending Netanyahu’s address to the joint meeting of Congress, Harris, who is married to a Jewish man, Doug Emhoff, has emphasized her longstanding support for Israel, including raising money to plant trees in the country as a child. While Republicans have attempted to make inroads with Jewish Americans, Harris remains committed to combating antisemitism.
Netanyahu did not make a public statement following his meeting with Harris, which was closely watched for clues about her views on Israel. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud noted the tightrope Harris is walking, balancing the responsibilities of being vice president with those of a presumptive presidential nominee. He emphasized the need for Harris to differentiate herself and chart a new course in foreign policy. Protesters gathered outside Union Station during Netanyahu’s visit, engaging in controversial behavior that Harris condemned as unpatriotic and fueled by hate. Harris has tried to align herself closely with President Biden on foreign policy, but observers note a difference in tone, particularly regarding concern for Palestinian suffering.
During a commemoration event in Selma, Alabama, Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, receiving applause from the audience. While reiterating the need for Hamas to accept the offered deal, her demand for a ceasefire resonated with many Democrats who disapprove of Biden’s handling of the conflict. Israeli analysts doubt that Harris would bring about a significant shift in policies toward Israel, noting her generation of American politicians who support Israel but also publicly criticize its policies. Chuck Freilich, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser, believes Harris would apply more pressure on Israel regarding the Palestinian issue if she were to become president.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris is navigating the tensions within the Democratic Party over the conflict in Gaza by highlighting Israel’s right to defend itself while advocating for alleviating Palestinian suffering. As a presumptive presidential nominee, Harris is working to unite her party and differentiate herself from President Biden on foreign policy issues. While emphasizing her support for Israel, Harris is also sensitive to concerns about Palestinian suffering and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Vice President’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict is being closely watched as she prepares for a potential bid for the presidency in 2024.
