Harris Will Not Make Israel Follow Tougher Gun Rules
Vice President Kamala Harris made it clear on Thursday that she would not deviate significantly from President Joe Biden’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Despite growing calls for the U.S. to impose conditions on aid and weapon sales to Israel, Harris emphasized her unwavering commitment to Israel’s defense.
During her first interview as the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris addressed questions about potential policy changes regarding Gaza. She reiterated her stance that Israel has the right to defend itself while also acknowledging the need for Palestinians to have security, self-determination, and dignity.
Like Biden, Harris acknowledged the need for Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians. She emphasized the importance of reaching a deal to bring an end to the conflict, highlighting the impact on families living in the region.
When pressed on whether there would be changes in U.S. policy regarding arms shipments to Israel, Harris made it clear that the focus should be on reaching a deal to end the war. She reiterated her commitment to working towards a two-state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians have security, self-determination, and dignity.
Pro-Palestinian activists, disappointed by the lack of tangible action from Harris, had hoped for a tougher stance on Israel than Biden. However, Democrats have not met their demands, indicating that Harris is unlikely to take a drastically different approach to the conflict than her predecessor.
The Israel-Hamas conflict presents a significant foreign policy challenge for the Biden administration, and it is likely to continue to be a pressing issue for Harris if she assumes the presidency. The conflict has already resulted in a devastating loss of life and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
While Israel has justified its military actions as necessary for defending against Hamas attacks, critics argue that the Israeli government has committed atrocities and violated international laws of war. Many believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political motivations are prolonging the conflict.
Biden has taken some steps to address Israeli actions, including withholding a shipment of bombs and threatening further consequences if Israel escalated its military operations. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire with the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas are ongoing.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians on both sides suffering the consequences of the ongoing conflict. As the Biden administration grapples with how to navigate the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas war, Harris’s stance on the issue will continue to be closely scrutinized.
