Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has stated that the United States will continue to exert pressure on Israel and other actors in the Middle East to achieve a cease-fire agreement in Gaza. However, advocates argue that thus far, the U.S. has not effectively utilized its influence over its ally.
During an interview with CBS news show “60 Minutes,” Harris described diplomatic efforts with Israel as an ongoing endeavor. When asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a close ally, Harris avoided directly answering the question. Instead, she emphasized the importance of the alliance between the American and Israeli people.
Harris reiterated Washington’s stance in supporting Israel’s right to self-defense against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. She emphasized that diplomatic work with Israeli leadership is aimed at clarifying American principles.
“We will not cease applying pressure on Israel and other regional leaders,” Harris asserted.
While Washington has occasionally criticized Israel for civilian casualties during this conflict, such condemnations have largely been verbal without any substantial policy changes. Advocates argue that by refusing to impose an arms embargo as demanded by anti-war protesters both domestically and internationally, Washington has failed to exert meaningful pressure on its ally.
President Joe Biden proposed a three-phase cease-fire plan for Gaza on May 31st; however, negotiations between Israel and Hamas have yet to yield an agreement due to issues surrounding exchanges of hostages and prisoners as well as Israel’s demand for control over a corridor along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt.
The recent escalation of violence in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7th, 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel resulting in 1,200 deaths and approximately 250 hostages according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel initiated a military offensive against Hamas-controlled areas which has led to nearly 42,000 Palestinian fatalities according to local health authorities.
Additionally, separate from operations in Gaza, Israel has been conducting military campaigns in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants allegedly backed by Iran. These actions have resulted in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and displacement of over one million people.