Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee, recently took center stage during her speech at the National Association of Black Journalists event held in Philadelphia. It was there she made compelling remarks about the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing both her support for Israel’s right to defend itself and her call for a ceasefire and peace process. Harris's stance reflects the delicate balance she must navigate as she seeks to appeal to diverse voter bases amid heightened tensions over the conflict.
"We have made it very clear this agreement needs to be made in the best interests of all parties involved," Harris stated, advocating for stability without empowering Iran. This call for negotiation is particularly relevant as the war, which erupted after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, has led to devastating losses on both sides. Israeli forces retaliated with air strikes and ground operations, resulting in over 41,000 Palestinian casualties and about 1,200 Israeli fatalities, including civilians. The conflict has unfolded amid accusations of human rights violations and growing international concern.
Harris acknowledged the complexity of the situation when questioned about distinguishing aggression from self-defense, particularly as she addressed the enormous loss of life—over 40,000 Palestinians have been reported killed since the conflict’s escalation. The U.S. has previously faced scrutiny for its military aid to Israel, particularly during conflicts when civilian casualties soared. Harris conceded during her speech, "There is some leverage we've used" to influence Israel's military action through U.S. military assistance, reinforcing her viewpoint about the need for diplomatic solutions.
Despite Harris's increasingly vocal support for Palestinian dignity and self-determination, she triumphed on calling Israel's right to defend itself "unequivocal." Critics, including some progressives within her own party, have pressed for more substantial changes to U.S. policy concerning Israel. Even so, Harris continues to navigate these waters carefully, aligning many of her positions with President Biden, particularly in refraining from endorsing any arms embargo against Israel.
The stakes are high for Harris as she competes for support within the Democratic party. Polls indicate waning confidence among young Black voters, some of whom feel disillusioned with the party's handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict. For example, recent surveys suggest more than 25% of young Black men indicated potential support for Donald Trump, raising alarms within Harris's camp, as Trump has been known to criticize Harris’s stance, claiming she opposes the state of Israel.
"Black men are like other voters," Harris emphasized, underlining her intent to earn their trust and support. Her remarks come at a time when voter sentiment can drastically influence outcomes, especially as pivotal battleground states like Georgia and Pennsylvania loom large on the election horizon.
Harris has unequivocally stated her determination to work toward achieving what she calls the 'two-state solution.' Such discussions perhapscarve out the path forward—where both Israelis and Palestinians can attain peace and security. Yet, there’s also the difficult reality of Israeli settlements and the current state of Gaza after the extensive military operations.
While Harris supports the recent military decisions made by the Biden administration—like the temporary halt of certain bomb shipments to Israel—she has also alluded to needing
more clarity and focus on working toward peace. Questions around whether she would push for specific policy changes in her presidential capacity remained unaddressed, showing her intention to maintain the current administration’s course for now, but with some pressure to address progressive concerns. “We are doing the work of putting pressure on all parties involved to get the deal done,” she stated fervently.
It's unlikely this topic will fade as the elections near, with Trump's attacks likely to heighten. He recently claimed during public engagements, "If Harris is elected, I believe Israel will not exist within two years from now," reflecting the contention within political discourse about the future of U.S.-Israel relations under potential Harris leadership.
Despite their differences, Harris maintains her professional relationship within the Democratic party, as both she and Trump seek the support of different demographics. It’s about crafting viable solutions amid the growing tensions surrounding Israel and Gaza, and Harris's narrative reflects her commitment to ensuring both parties can find common ground and peace. With the multitude of issues at stake, particularly for young voters, the upcoming elections are poised to reveal where public sentiment truly lies.
What remains to be seen is whether the push for change will resonate within the wider voter base or if the status quo will prevail as Harris's campaign moves forward. Public opinions are shaping Harris's strategies, not just for the election but potentially for future U.S. foreign policy.
