In a recent interview with CBS News' "60 Minutes," Vice President Kamala Harris deftly navigated around the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a close ally of the United States.
Instead, she underscored the enduring bond between the American and Israeli people, as reported by Mediaite.
When asked about the nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship, Harris responded, "With all due respect, the better question is 'Do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people?' And the answer to that question is 'Yes.'" This response underscores the administration's focus on the broader relationship between the two nations, rather than individual political figures.
The Vice President was further probed about the U.S.'s influence over Netanyahu, particularly in light of the billions of dollars in military aid the U.S. provides annually to Israel. This question is especially pertinent given Netanyahu's resistance to Biden administration's calls for a cease-fire and his decision to deploy troops into Lebanon against U.S. advice.
In response, Harris emphasized the necessity of the aid, stating, "The aid that we have given Israel allowed Israel to defend itself against 200 ballistic missiles that were just meant to attack the Israelis and the people of Israel." She continued, "When we think about the threat that Hamas, Hezbollah, [and] Iran present, I think that it is, without any question, our imperative to do what we can to allow Israel to defend itself against those kinds of attacks."
Harris also highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts with Israeli leadership, which include advocating for humanitarian aid, an end to the war, and a deal that would lead to a cease-fire and the release of hostages. She concluded, "The work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel that were very much prompted by, or a result of, many things including our advocacy for what needs to happen in the region." This statement underscores the administration's commitment to exerting diplomatic pressure to promote peace and stability in the region.
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