August 30, 2024
No Change in Policy: Kamala Harris Defends U.S. Military Support for Israel
In a recent CNN interview, Kamala Harris made it clear that she has no intention of conditioning U.S. military support for Israel. As a Democratic presidential candidate, Harris’s stance highlights a glaring disconnect between her policy positions and the growing calls for accountability in the face of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This interview marks a critical moment for her campaign, revealing her unwavering support for Israel despite mounting evidence of a genocide taking place where 40,000 Palestinians have been killed with the majority being women and children.
Harris Defends Israel’s Actions and U.S. Support
During her interview with Dana Bash, Harris was asked directly whether she would consider withholding U.S. weapons shipments to Israel, a demand voiced by many on the progressive left. Her response was firm: she remains committed to Israel’s right to defend itself. She referenced the October 7 attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, using this to justify the ongoing military support. Harris’s comments failed to address the disproportionate violence inflicted on Gaza, where countless Palestinian civilians, including children, have been killed in what is considered a genocide by many international observers .
Despite acknowledging the tragic loss of Palestinian lives, Harris did not propose any meaningful policy changes. Instead, she called for a deal to be struck and emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and the release of hostages. This familiar rhetoric appears designed to placate both sides while effectively maintaining the status quo, providing Israel with the green light to continue its actions without fear of losing U.S. support.
U.S. Policy Ignores Public Opinion and Legal Obligations
Harris’s remarks shows a troubling reality: U.S. policy on Israel and Palestine is increasingly out of touch with public opinion. Recent polls indicate that a substantial majority of Democrats, many Independents, and even a significant portion of Republicans now oppose ongoing arms shipments to Israel. Despite this, Harris and the current administration continue to support Israel unconditionally, positioning themselves far to the right of their electorate. This stance not only ignores the will of the American people but also breaches both international and U.S. laws concerning arms shipments to countries involved in serious human rights abuses.
The continued support for Israel, as articulated by Harris, exposes a deep hypocrisy in U.S. foreign policy. While Harris speaks of justice and the rule of law, she is quick to make exceptions for Israel, disregarding calls for accountability from human rights organizations and the international community.
Lack of Accountability and Media Complicity
The interview also highlighted a significant issue with how U.S. politicians are questioned by the media. Dana Bash framed her question in a way that suggested only a fringe of the progressive left would consider ending military aid to Israel. This framing distorts the reality that mainstream America is increasingly aware of the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza and is calling for change. Yet, journalists continue to treat this as a fringe position, allowing politicians like Harris to avoid real accountability.
Harris’s refusal to consider any modification in U.S. support for Israel dismisses the growing calls for an end to the violence. Her unwavering stance, even in the face of documented human rights abuses in Gaza, shows a troubling lack of empathy and a willingness to support policies of oppression under the guise of defense.
Democratic Party Faces Internal Struggles Over Israel Policy
Harris’s rigid stance on Israel and Palestine has significant implications within the Democratic Party, particularly among younger voters and progressive activists who are increasingly vocal in their opposition to U.S. complicity in Israel’s actions. The party’s refusal to allow a Palestinian speaker at the recent Democratic National Convention further illustrates a broader unwillingness to address this contentious issue and represents a missed opportunity to engage with those demanding justice and human rights for Palestinians.
The uncommitted vote’s call for Harris to directly engage with Palestinian communities, especially in areas like Dearborn, Michigan, was a plea for genuine representation and empathy. Harris’s apparent indifference to these voices reflects a broader trend within her campaign and the Democratic Party: a refusal to take a stand against Israel’s human rights abuses, despite mounting evidence and public pressure.
Harris’s Stance Signals Continuation of Controversial U.S. Policy
Kamala Harris’s interview on CNN should serve as a reminder of the enduring contradictions in U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine. Her unwillingness to reconsider U.S. military support for Israel, despite the ongoing massacre in Gaza, reveals a disturbing disregard for Palestinian lives and a commitment to policies that many view as complicit in war crimes. As the Democratic Party approaches the 2024 election, it faces a critical choice: continue to support these actions under the guise of defense, or align itself with the growing calls for accountability and justice. Harris’s stance suggests that, for now, the status quo will prevail.
