U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in an interview with CNN (Photo: Screenshot)
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to continue the Biden administration’s policies toward Israel, especially regarding the Gaza War, despite calls from the progressive left-wing of her Democratic Party.
In her first interview with a major news organization since replacing U.S. President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for president, Harris sat down with her vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz, on Thursday to speak with CNN anchor Dana Bash.
When asked whether she would withhold weapon shipments, as parts of the Democratic party have demanded, Harris did not answer directly at first.
“I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself, and that’s not going to change,” she began.
Kamala Harris: “Let me be very clear. I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself, and that’s not going to change.
But let’s take a step back. October 7 – 1,200 people were massacred. Many young people who were simply… pic.twitter.com/63VZxZH3mt
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) August 30, 2024
“But let’s take a step back,” she continued. “October 7 – 1,200 people were massacred, many young people who were simply attending a music festival. Women were horribly raped.”
“As I said then, I say today: Israel has a right to defend itself. We would, and how it does so matters,” Harris said.
Harris then pivoted toward emphasizing the importance of a so-far elusive hostage and truce deal between Israel and the Hamas terrorists.
The latest round of negotiations appears to be stuck once again on Sunday after Hamas announced it would not accept the proposal presented during recent high-level talks held in Cairo, Egypt, last week.
“Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, and we have got to get a deal done, we were in Doha. We have to get a deal done,” the vice president intoned.
“This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out. I’ve met with the families of the American hostages. Let’s get the hostages out, let’s get the ceasefire done.”
“And no change in policy? In terms of arms and so forth,” Bash interjected, after Harris hadn’t answered the first question directly.
“No, we have to get a deal done,” Harris continued, shaking her head. “When you look at the significance of this to the families, to the people who are living in that region – a deal is not only the right thing to do to end this war but will unlock so much of what must happen next.”
Harris’ last point echoed sentiments expressed by U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken frequently in recent months, as the Biden administration has seemed to pin all hopes of resolving various regional issues on the outcome of a hostage deal.
“I remain committed – since I’ve been on October 8 – to what we must do to work toward a two-state solution, where Israel is secure and – in equal measure – the Palestinians have security and self-determination and dignity,” Harris concluded, ending this section of the interview.
Earlier this month, Harris met with two Arab Americans leading the “Uncommitted National Movement,” a group of Democratic voters vocally opposed to U.S. support for Israel.
During the conversation with the two leaders of the movement – Abbas Alawieh and Layla Elabed – Harris allegedly said she was open to discussing an arms embargo on Israel, according to The New York Times.
Her campaign quickly denied the report.
On Thursday, Alawieh expressed frustration over Harris’ response during the interview.
“If the vice president is interested in a ceasefire, she must support an immediate stop to sending the fire,” Alawieh said.
Harris’ most clear comments on the issue of arms shipments to Israel to date came during her speech at the Democratic National Convention last week.
“Let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel can defend itself,” Harris declared.
