Vice President Kamala Harris faces a challenging situation as the Gaza war continues. Her position is complicated by her ties to the American Jewish community and Israeli interest groups. Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish and has played a significant role since Hamas’s attack on Israel in October.
Vice President @KamalaHarris is in Atlanta to underscore all that is at stake in this election. There’s too much on the line to sit this race out. Tune in now. https://t.co/JkSdtWpAF6
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 30, 2024
She also has a good working relationship with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Election Day is 100 days away and there’s never been more at stake.
Let’s get @KamalaHarris to the White House. pic.twitter.com/Pm22yFNJMo
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 28, 2024
In her presidential bid, Harris has support from major Jewish interest groups like Democratic Majority for Israel, J Street, and the Jewish Democratic Council of America. She has previously stated, “I believe the bonds between the United States and Israel are unbreakable.”
Regarding the Gaza war, Harris has upheld Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.
This is shameful from the Vice President. Israel is fighting a just war against Hamas, who started this fight by murdering thousands of innocent Israeli civilians. We must support Israel in its time of need. https://t.co/OdsWLjCdmJ
— Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) July 28, 2024
However, she has taken a sharper tone than President Biden about Israel’s treatment of civilians in Gaza. Harris became the first person in the Biden administration to call for an immediate ceasefire.
Gaza conflict complicates Harris’s position
“In all likelihood, Joe Biden will be the last Democratic president to express the kind of total and unwavering commitment to the Israeli government that was born of a time when Israel could call itself an underdog in the region.” Terrific column. https://t.co/Yo3BKeoeGV
— Samuel Moyn 🔭 (@samuelmoyn) July 31, 2024
She stated that the Israeli government must do more to increase aid to Gaza. She has also expressed empathy for protesters horrified by the death and destruction there. If she becomes president, Harris may replace some of Biden’s chief strategists on Gaza, including Jake Sullivan, Antony Blinken, and Lloyd Austin.
Her national security adviser, Philip Gordon, has emphasized diplomatic solutions in foreign policy. Politically, Harris must decide if she should distance herself from Biden’s record on Gaza. Progressives have called on Biden to halt weapons shipments and pressure Israel to end the war.
If Harris positions herself differently, she could win back some of those voters. Palestinian American organizer Layla Elabed said, “We are also right now watching and listening to what Harris is going to do next.”
However, it’s unlikely Harris will deviate substantially from Biden on Israel given the longstanding bipartisan support for Israel in American politics. This leaves her with a difficult political tightrope to walk as she navigates the complexities of the Gaza conflict and its implications for her presidential campaign.
