In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris, who had previously cautioned Israel against invading Rafah, a southern Gaza enclave, has now lauded the country's successful elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Sinwar, who had been hiding in Rafah, was killed during an overnight firefight by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF only confirmed Sinwar's death after a positive DNA analysis the following morning. Sinwar was the mastermind behind the devastating attack on October 7 last year, which claimed the lives of 1,200 individuals.
According to Newsweek, the Biden administration had earlier this year vehemently opposed the IDF's plan to conduct a full-scale military operation in Rafah. The administration had even labeled such an invasion a "red line," reportedly urging the Israelis privately not to proceed. An official from the White House clarified that the administration was only against a large-scale ground invasion. The official stated, "We opposed a large-scale invasion with heavy ground fighting in densely populated areas while there were so many civilians sheltering there given the high potential for civilian casualties." The official further added, "Instead, we advised the Israeli government on a different approach, and it worked."
In the wake of the successful operation, President Joe Biden issued a statement celebrating the close cooperation between the U.S. and Israel in tracking Sinwar and other Hamas leaders hiding in Gaza. "This is a good day for Israel, for the United States and for the world," Biden stated. Vice President Harris, on the campaign trail, echoed Biden's sentiments, stating that "justice has been served," and that "the United States, Israel and the entire world are better off as a result."
Harris also seized the opportunity to advocate for an end to Israel's operations in Gaza, asserting that "Israel is secure" following Sinwar's death. During a campaign speech at the University of Wisconsin, Harris said, "This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza," and added, "And it must end such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, freedom and self-determination."
However, it's worth noting that seven months ago, prior to becoming the Democratic nominee, Harris had issued a stern warning to Israel about its plans to invade Rafah. In an interview with ABC News, she suggested that Israel could face "consequences" due to the large number of civilians taking shelter in Rafah. Harris said, "We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake."
Despite the White House's warnings, Israel proceeded with a version of the Rafah operation in May. Five months later, their offensive resulted in the elimination of their most-wanted man. "Yahya Sinwar is dead," announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking the military victory. He added, "While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it's the beginning of the end." This event underscores the complex dynamics of international politics and the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.
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