Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the press following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the White House complex.
Harris began by sharing a personal anecdote from her childhood, recalling how she planted trees to support Israel's "right to defend itself." She emphasized the complexity of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging Americans to understand that it is not a binary issue. “Let us all condemn terrorism and violence,” she stated. “And let us condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate of any kind.”
Reflecting on her recent discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Harris said, “I just had a frank and constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I told him that I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah.”
“I’ve had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security, and to the people of Israel,” she said.
That seems like pretty normal political pablum. Of course she and America are committed to those things. Israel is a close ally and a President or candidate is going to affirm that commitment as a sign not just to Israel but to our other allies as well.
I think that's a really bad take. I think most anti-genocide Dems are not against Israel, its people, or its right to defend itself when attacked. I think they are against indiscriminate and deliberate murder, and believe the current operations are a massive overreaction to the Hamas attack. I think they support the right of both peoples to peacefully coexist, which includes improving the human rights situation of the Palestinians even in peace time.
Maybe I'm the one out of touch, but I don't think so.
Are you saying the majority disagree about whether Israel should exist or about whether we should continue sending weapons or about whether they should be an ally at all? Because those are three very very different things. The majority, or at least a plurality, are definitely opposed to the genocide or are at least wanting a ceasefire. But the majority also support Israel's right to exist. They basically just disagree with the severity of Israel's actions.
If you're saying that the majority don't support Israel's right to exist or that we shouldnt ally with them, then I'd really appreciate a citation cause nothing I can find supports that.
Harris addressed the groups who have been calling for a cease-fire and peace in the Middle East, and pushed for a two-state solution saying "I see you, I hear you."
"Let us all condemn terrorism and violence. Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians. And let us condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate of any kind. And let us work to unite our country," she said.
I think Harris would be best served by staying as far away from this issue as possible, otherwise she will be sucked into a conflict that certainly will not be resolved before, and likely not after, the election.
The US should probably stop sending weapons and foreign aid to Israel. They have a strong developed economy and it's time to cut them off, regardless of this conflict.
I think there is incredible potential to bring out young voters if she acts well - the discord has been muted by AIPAC but young people are seriously pissed. There may be some political calculus in trying to keep AIPAC from just switching to fully supporting the GOP but I think it's about time to declare them a foreign actor anyways... Bernie's recent speech was powerful and accurate and young people have been much more focused on this conflicts then politicians who get bales full of money from AIPAC want to admit.
Young people are also seriously ignorant and naive. The world is not a nice place to live. But if this is really what they want to fight about, god love em. They're going to be out there for a long time. Personally I think avoiding autocracy at home is more important.
IMHO, she’s already pretty clearly signaled that she thinks Bibi is a POS that has killed a lot of innocent civilians.
But she knows the GOP wants to run on false claims that the democrats want to support Hamas’ desire to wipe Israel off the map. She wanted to kneecap that argument with a statement about supporting defense.
Her position is that she wants a two state solution, condemns the brutal offense that is killing civilians, but supports defense.
Did you not read her statement yesterday regarding protests in Union Station? She is 100% committed to continuing Bidens approach to Gaza and Zionists.
I agree but both israeli and ukraine aid have been bills so the executive have to abide by them (unless your trump apparently but some folks are trying to do their job a bit less facisty). So the last sentence harris herself will be a bit limited on. Still there it is possible to do the bare minimum.
Her statement came after a week of her condemning Bibi’s offensive, saying she “will not be silent” on Gaza suffering, and ghosting Bibi during his misinformation speech to Congress.
The GOP is now campaigning on Harris supporting terrorism. She’s trying to clarify that she’s supports defense - it’s the offense that’s killing kids that is horrid.
Her not being at that speech is performative. She's still gladly took that $5 million in AIPAC money. In her response to Union Station protests was probably personally handed to her by Netanyahu.