Kamala Harris steps out on Gaza war

The Vice President is carving out a political identity on Israel that threads the needle between the old guard and progressive wing of the Democratic Party

This week’s visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu felt more like an episode of "Real Housewives of Capitol Hill" than diplomatic theater. The scene was set when Vice President Kamala Harris chose to skip Netanyahu's speech to Congress, opting instead for a pre-scheduled sorority campaign event in Indiana. This move, and Netanyahu's subsequent omission of any nod to her in his address, underscored a palpable shift in the U.S.-Israel relationship, signaling that a President Harris would indeed represent a new sheriff in town.

Harris's circumspection on Gaza since October 7 has gradually become more conspicuous, making her differences with President Joe Biden public. In early March, Harris called for a six-week "temporary ceasefire" long before Biden publicly endorsed the idea. She has expressed sympathy for pro-Palestine student protesters, acknowledging their emotional response to Gaza without fully endorsing their points. Her statements reflect a sensitivity to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, resonating more with the progressive Democrats.

Biden’s legacy casts a long shadow. Historically seen as an extension of Biden—one of the most pro-Israel presidents in history, albeit with an icy rapport with Netanyahu—Harris is now carving out her own presidential identity. As the presumptive Democratic nominee, she must align the traditional ironclad support for Israel of the old guard with the more progressive sentiments within her party.

Harris emerged from a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday determined to assert her stance. Recalling her childhood efforts to support Israel, she reaffirmed her "unwavering commitment" to Israel's right to exist and defend itself.

She condemned Hamas as a "brutal terrorist organization" and disavowed the protests outside Washington’s Union Station as “despicable acts by unpatriotic protestors.” In a statement, she said, “Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric are abhorrent, and we must not tolerate them in our nation.”

Yet, she also called attention to the plight of Palestinians, advocating for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a path to a two-state solution. Her message was clear: "We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies, we cannot allow ourselves to be numb. And I will not be silent."

Navigating the complexities of Israel's politics is no small feat, particularly as figures like Senator Chris Murphy predict a shift in the U.S.-Israel dynamic. Murphy, a critic of Israel's rightward political drift, sees Harris as an opportunity for fresh thinking. Several ex-Biden staffers are optimistic that she can chart her own policy on Gaza, suggesting that Biden seems caught in a time warp regarding an Israeli polity that no longer exists.

The influence of her national security adviser, Phil Gordon, is evident in Harris's approach. A Washington veteran who has specialized in Middle Eastern and European politics, Gordon has been openly critical of U.S. policies towards Israel and skeptical of U.S. efforts to impose democracy in the Middle East.

Another pivotal figure in Harris's political journey is her husband, Doug Emhoff. As the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president, Emhoff has been vocal about his heritage, combating antisemitism and supporting Israel. In a recent Zoom call with Jewish Democratic supporters, he reiterated Harris's steadfast support for Israel and hinted at a personal touch, quipping, "Maybe there will be a mezuzah on the White House, like there is on the vice president’s residence."

Enter Donald Trump, ever the showman, who called Harris's statements on the Gaza war “disrespectful” before his own meeting with Netanyahu in Florida to discuss the conflict. Criticizing Harris, Trump said, “They weren’t very nice pertaining to Israel. I actually don’t know how a person who is Jewish could vote for her, but that’s up to them.”

Right-wing Israeli politicians attacked Harris, and anonymous officials suggested her remarks could make it more difficult to conclude a ceasefire deal. Netanyahu, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Trump, remarked, “I think to the extent that Hamas understands there’s no daylight between Israel and the United States, that expedites the deal. And I would hope that those comments don’t change that.”

It was their first meeting since Trump left office, marking a reconciliation after a strained period following Netanyahu’s congratulation to Biden on his 2020 victory—a move Trump criticized harshly at the time.

Trump, ever the pragmatist, seemed to brush aside past grievances, noting their historically good relationship. During his first term, Trump had granted Netanyahu significant leeway, moving the embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He reiterated to Fox News that Israel should finish the war and bring back hostages “fast,” criticizing Israel’s public relations efforts.

Harris, in her own meeting with Netanyahu at the White House, reiterated the Biden administration’s stance but highlighted her independent approach. “There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal,” she said. “And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done. So, to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you.”

Harris’s stance on Israel is not just a diplomatic position, but one of the first defining elements of her emerging political identity. It’s just the first of many issues—both foreign and domestic—where she could be caught between the old guard and progressive ideals.