In a surprising revelation, Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged that the United States has employed its military assistance as a means of influencing Israel's actions during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
According to Haaretz, Harris made these remarks while addressing the National Association of Black Journalists. The Democratic presidential nominee's statement marks a significant shift in the public discourse surrounding U.S.-Israel relations and the Biden administration's approach to the Gaza war.
Harris's comments shed light on the administration's efforts to balance support for Israel's security with concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She emphasized the need for a cease-fire deal and the release of hostages while also outlining the administration's vision for a post-war Gaza scenario.
U.S. Influence On Israeli Military Operations
The Vice President specifically mentioned the pause on shipments of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, expressing her support for this decision. This action was taken in response to concerns about the use of such heavy payload weapons in densely populated civilian areas, particularly in the context of a potential invasion of Rafah.
Harris stated that the administration has used its leverage to influence Israel's conduct in the war. She dismissed criticisms that the Biden administration has failed to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza, where the conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis.
The Vice President also revealed that she has been actively involved in discussions with Israeli and Arab officials regarding post-war scenarios for Gaza. These conversations have focused on key principles, including preventing the reoccupation of Gaza and maintaining existing territorial boundaries.
Emphasis On Diplomatic Solutions And Humanitarian Concerns
Harris stressed the urgent need for a cease-fire deal and the release of hostages. She highlighted the recent tragic incident involving the murder of six hostages in Gaza, including an American citizen, as a pressing reason to expedite negotiations.
The Vice President expressed her position on the matter:
We need to get this deal done, and we need to get it done immediately – that is my position. Ultimately, the thing that is going to unlock everything else in that region is getting this deal done.
Harris emphasized that while she supports Israel's right to self-defense, she also advocates for the dignity, self-determination, and security of Palestinians. This stance reflects the administration's attempt to navigate the complex dynamics of the conflict while addressing humanitarian concerns.
Republican Response And Political Implications
The Republican Jewish Coalition responded critically to Harris's comments, expressing concern about the potential implications of leveraging military aid to Israel. They stated:
It's no secret that Kamala Harris supports leveraging critical military aid to Israel as it fights an existential war for its very survival – and the terrorist regime in Iran knows it. She would be a total disaster as Commander-in-Chief.
This response highlights the political sensitivity surrounding U.S. support for Israel and the potential impact of Harris's statements on the upcoming presidential election. It also underscores the challenges the administration faces in balancing its support for Israel with efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Harris's comments come at a time when her stance on Israel has been under scrutiny. In recent weeks, she has emphasized her support for a two-state solution and has maintained that she would not reverse any of the Biden administration's policies on Israel if elected president.
Conclusion
Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged that the U.S. has used its military aid as leverage to influence Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict. She emphasized the need for a cease-fire deal and the release of hostages and outlined principles for a post-war Gaza scenario.
These statements reveal the Biden administration's efforts to balance support for Israel with humanitarian concerns while also highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding U.S.-Israel relations in the context of the ongoing conflict and upcoming presidential election.
