US Vice President Kamala Harris avoided directly addressing whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be considered a “close ally” of the United States amid criticisms that Netanyahu has hindered Washington’s efforts to promote de-escalation in the Middle East.
In a preview of her interview with CBS News’s 60 Minutes, released on Sunday, Harris was asked about the US’s efforts to convince Israel, a key ally, to halt its military operations in Gaza and stop attacks on Lebanon.
Harris, who is also the Democratic candidate in the upcoming presidential election, emphasized that the US has been applying pressure on both Israel and regional Arab leaders to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and that these efforts have led to “movements” by Israel. However, she did not elaborate on specifics.
When pressed about whether the US has a “real, close ally” in Netanyahu, Harris responded: “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 exchange underscores the Biden administration’s continued refusal to shift its strong support for Netanyahu’s government, even as Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon escalate.
For months, critics have accused Netanyahu of obstructing a potential ceasefire in Gaza to further his political agenda. Analysts have warned that Washington’s reluctance to pressure Israel could contribute to a wider regional conflict, with some rights groups calling for the US to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
The US provides Israel with at least $3.8 billion in military aid annually, and since the start of the Gaza war in October of last year, President Biden has approved an additional $14 billion in assistance for Israel.
