Kamala Harris: Where does the Democrats’ possible nominee stand on Palestine?

Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- With US President Joe Biden announcing his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor, the spotlight now turns to the Vice President’s positions on international issues.

Following the self-proclaimed zionist, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris has demonstrated a strong alignment with the occupation state of Israel, advocating for its “right to self defense” throughout her career. Her pro-Israel stance is evident in her support for Israeli military actions and substantial defense aid.

Here is what we know about Kamala Harris’s position on Palestine.

Kamala’s Support for “Israel’s Right to Self-Defense”

Kamala Harris has consistently emphasized the importance of Israel’s security and has shown a tendency to align with pro-Israel stances in her public statements and policy positions.

Before, during, and after the Israeli war on Gaza in 2021, in which Israel killed over 200 Palestinians, she reiterated this stance multiple times, praising Israel’s “democratic values.”

Following the October 7th military operation, Harris hastened to condemn the resistance, repeating accusations made by Israel against Hamas, which were proved wrong. On June 17, Harris hosted an event at the White House, where she condemned alleged acts of sexual violence, which Israel claims they were committed by Hamas on October 7. She even claimed that she “saw images of bloodied Israeli women abducted.”

Then, during the genocide, Harris labeled Hamas a “barbaric terrorist organization” and supported “Israel’s right to defend itself against such threats”. Harris reiterated the US’s unwavering support for “Israel’s security” during her discussions with Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog.

Harris is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will be visiting the US this week.

Military Aid to Israel

Kamala Harris has consistently supported military aid to the occupation state of Israel. She has expressed her commitment to ensuring that Israel receives the aid necessary to maintain its security.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Harris stated in an interview with The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) that she is committed to providing Israel with the necessary military aid to ensure its security. She emphasized that she would not tie military aid to political conditions.

Harris also co-sponsored a Senate resolution in the same year that affirmed the US commitment to providing Israel with security assistance and condemned efforts to condition or reduce military aid to Israel.

Then, during Israel’s war on Gaza in 2021, she reiterated her support for the $3.8 billion annual military aid package to Israel, which was part of the 2016 US-Israel Memorandum of Understanding negotiated during the Obama administration.

Following Biden’s policy

The Times of Israel has recently reported citing two current and one former US administration official as dismissing that Harris would be the ‘bad cop’ foil to Joe Biden when it comes to the administration’s policy regarding Israel and its genocide in Gaza, as wishful thinking from those supportive of a tougher US line on Israel.

“There has been no division of labor or dispute on policy. Vice President Harris shares President Biden’s support for an ironclad US commitment to Israel’s security coupled with a commitment to advancing a two-state solution in order to bring an end to this cycle of violence,” said a US official.

“Bibi and Biden have known each other for decades. You don’t just send in someone else to do your dirty work (of criticizing Israel). It wouldn’t be effective,” a senior administration official said.