US Vice-President Kamala Harris, anticipated to be the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election in November, held “frank and constructive” discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Harris took a firmer stance than President Joe Biden, emphasizing her “serious concerns” about Gaza casualties and stressing the importance of how Israel defends itself.
“It is time for this war to end,” Harris declared following their face-to-face meeting at the White House. She also highlighted the necessity for a path towards a two-state solution, urging Americans to recognize the “nuance” in the conflict.
Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu met with Biden, who recently withdrew from his re-election campaign. Netanyahu’s White House meetings occurred a day after he delivered a fiery speech to Congress, pledging “total victory” against Hamas as thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside.
The prime minister is under significant pressure domestically and internationally to end the Israel-Gaza war, now in its ninth month. Biden’s strong support for Israel has angered many left-wing activists, whose backing the Democrats might need to win the presidential election. Consequently, there is considerable interest in Harris’ potential stance on Israel should she succeed Biden.
After a 40-minute meeting with Netanyahu, Harris reiterated her “unwavering commitment” to Israel and its right to self-defense. She recounted that the conflict began on 7 October when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel from Gaza, resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza has claimed more than 39,000 lives.
“Israel has a right to defend itself. And how it does so matters,” Harris stated, voicing concern over the “dire humanitarian situation” in Gaza. “We cannot allow ourselves to be numb to the suffering and I will not be silent,” she continued. “Let’s get the deal done so we can get a ceasefire to end the war. Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s bring much-needed relief to the Palestinian people.”
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Friday. During his earlier meeting with Biden, Netanyahu mentioned their 40-year acquaintance and acknowledged Biden’s long-standing support for Israel. “From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel,” he remarked.
Netanyahu expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Biden “on the great issues before us” in the coming months. Biden, humorously noting that Golda Meir was the first Israeli prime minister he met, reminisced about his lengthy involvement with Israeli leaders.
At a news briefing, White House national security spokesman John Kirby stated that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the urgent need for a hostage release deal, the risk of conflict extending into Lebanon, the threat from Iran, and the necessity for “compromises” in peace negotiations. Kirby noted that although “gaps remain” in the US-Israel relationship, it remains “healthy.” He explained, “By healthy, I mean they’re not going to agree on everything,” and assured that Biden is “very comfortable with the relationship he has with the prime minister.”
The US and Israeli leaders also held a private meeting with the families of seven US citizens still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October, described the meeting as “productive and honest” but did not provide further details. “We feel probably more optimistic than we have since the first round of releases in late November, early December,” he shared.
