Harris ends speculation about arms embargo on Israel
Vice President Kamala Harris recently sparked concerns when she expressed openness to meeting with leaders of the National Uncommitted movement, who have been advocating for an arms embargo on Israel. The movement, which emerged from the Listen to Michigan campaign in Dearborn, Michigan, has been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict in Gaza. Many members of the movement have even stated that they will not support Harris unless she meets their demands, which include negotiating an immediate cease-fire and halting weapons shipments to Israel.
Following her conversation with the co-founders of the National Uncommitted movement, Harris faced backlash from supporters of Israel who criticized her for considering such a policy. However, representatives for Harris moved quickly to clarify her position, emphasizing that she will always ensure Israel’s ability to defend itself against threats from Iran and Iran-backed groups. Harris’ national security adviser, Phil Gordon, reiterated her commitment to protecting both Israeli civilians and upholding international humanitarian laws.
New York Times White House Correspondent Erica L. Green clarified the reporting about Harris’s meeting, explaining that the group’s leaders had requested a discussion with her to present their demands. Green emphasized that Harris had not explicitly expressed support for an arms embargo on Israel during the meeting.
In response to the uproar, Harris’ campaign issued a statement reaffirming the Vice President’s commitment to engaging with Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian communities regarding the conflict in Gaza. The statement reiterated Harris’s focus on securing a ceasefire and negotiating the release of hostages, highlighting the need for a resolution that ensures Israel’s security, ends the suffering of Palestinian civilians, and upholds their right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.
Given the critical role of Michigan as a swing state in U.S. elections and the significant Muslim population in Dearborn, where discontent over U.S. policy in Gaza has been palpable, Harris’s campaign is navigating delicate political terrain. The potential loss of votes from these communities poses a challenge for Democrats in a state where margins have been narrow in recent elections.
Despite the campaign’s attempts to clarify Harris’s position, some critics like Goldberg argue that the Vice President has not definitively addressed whether she would consider an arms embargo on Israel. The need for more direct answers on this issue underscores the complexity of balancing competing interests and concerns in U.S. foreign policy.
