US Vice President Kamala Harris skirted a direct response when asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be termed as a “close ally” of the US.
In an excerpt from an interview with 60 Minutes from CBS News, released on Sunday, Harris was asked about the US moves to bring a halt to Israel’s attack operations on Gaza and Lebanon. This comes amidst growing criticisms of Netanyahu’s handling of the situation amidst US calls for de-escalation.
Harris is the Democratic candidate in the presidential election.
She said that the US had been trying to pressure both Israel and the Arab nations toward agreeing on a ceasefire. She underlined how hard the US pushed to bring movement to that region.
“The work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel,” Harris told Al Jazeera.
When asked whether Netanyahu could be considered a “real, close ally” of the US. Harris responds thus: “I think, with all due respect, the better question is, do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? And the answer to that question is ‘yes’.”
The US gives enormous support to Israel, not least with over $3.8 billion in military aid every year. On top of that, President Biden has signed off on another $14 billion. In additional assistance since Israel’s war on Gaza restarted on 7 October last year.
But despite US calls for de-escalation, American leaders have continued to reaffirm Israel’s right to defend itself. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized, “Obviously, attacks, targeted attacks on civilians, could not be justified. But Israel does have the right to go after terrorists.”
Miller also underscored that Israel should work on mitigating civilian casualties. And said that Israel is under an obligation to adhere to international humanitarian law. Be it in Gaza, Lebanon, or any other area of conflict.
With all this, Harris refrained from referring to Netanyahu as a close ally. And spoke to the overall relations between the US and Israel. It continues to feature as a cardinal part of American foreign policy in the Middle East.
ANI