Harris Could Be a Disaster for Israel and the Jewish People
Maariv, Israel, August 10
Our story begins on a tense Wednesday afternoon in Detroit, where Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, was making a campaign stop. The atmosphere was charged as she arrived at the airport hangar, where she met not only her supporters but also Abbas Alawieh and Layla Elabed, founders of the Uncommitted National Movement. This extremist group has mobilized Arab American voters in Michigan to withhold support for President Joe Biden due to his stance on Israel and Gaza. During the brief encounter, Elabed tearfully implored Harris to consider an arms embargo on Israel, highlighting the devastating impact of Israeli military operations on her community in Gaza. Harris, attempting to show empathy while maintaining political balance, assured the group that her campaign would continue to address their concerns. This ambiguous response left room for interpretation, igniting a media storm and heated debates about her true position on the issue. Harris’ openness to an arms embargo, as implied during the Detroit meeting, is not an isolated incident. Over the years, her actions and statements have consistently raised concerns about her commitment to Israel. In February 2019, when Congresswoman Ilhan Omar used antisemitic tropes to suggest American support for Israel was driven by money and accused American Jews of “loyalty to a foreign country,” Harris’ reaction was troubling. Instead of unequivocally condemning Omar’s statements, Harris expressed concern that the criticism could endanger Omar, thus failing to strongly denounce antisemitic rhetoric within her party. Harris’ support for the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is another contentious point. In 2015, she backed the agreement, which many critics argue empowers Iran, a significant threat to Israel. Rejoining the JCPOA aligns Harris with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which has adopted a more hostile stance toward Israel. This alignment is deeply troubling for those who believe the agreement does not adequately prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Harris’ approach to diplomacy has often been inconsistent and ineffective. During a visit to George Mason University in 2021, a student accused Israel of committing “ethnic cleansing in Palestine.” Instead of refuting these baseless claims, Harris emphasized the importance of hearing the student’s perspective. At the Munich Security Conference in February 2023, Harris supported the establishment of a Palestinian state without adequately addressing the ongoing threat of terrorism from groups such as Hamas. Harris’ public comments have sometimes appeared to undermine Israel’s negotiating position. In March 2024, she called for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza, which would have effectively provided a lifeline to Hamas. Harris’ stance on Israel has significant implications for the American Jewish community. Former American Ambassador David Friedman warned that her candidacy could lead to a historic shift of Jewish voters to the Republican side, given her alignment with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and her insufficient support for Israel. Friedman noted that Harris’ record does not pass the “kishkes test” of genuine support for Israel, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the Jewish community. Harris’ position reflects a broader and troubling shift within the Democratic Party. The progressive wing, including figures such as Bernie Sanders and members of The Squad, has increasingly adopted anti-Israel rhetoric. Sanders has compared Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to the leaders of Hamas, called Netanyahu a “war criminal,” and questioned American support for Israel. This shift is not merely rhetorical but also policy-driven. Progressive leaders have called for an end to American military aid to Israel and pushed for policies hostile to Israeli interests. Harris’ alignment with these figures raises serious concerns about the direction of American foreign policy under her leadership. Unlike President Joe Biden, who is seen as a moderate within the Democratic Party and has a long history of staunch support for Israel, Harris is more closely aligned with the progressive wing. Her support for policies like the Green New Deal and universal health care reflects the broader progressive agenda. This alignment makes her more susceptible to the influence of progressive leaders who are critical of Israel and supportive of Palestinian causes. This alignment is highly troubling for those who believe that unwavering support for Israel is essential to American foreign policy. Harris’ record on Israel is replete with troubling decisions and statements that raise serious concerns about her commitment to the US-Israel alliance. Her openness to discussing an arms embargo, her tepid response to anti-Israel rhetoric, her support for the Iran nuclear deal, and her alignment with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party all suggest a potential shift in American policy that could jeopardize the security interests of both Israel and the United States. As Israel confronts multiple threats, steadfast American support is more essential than ever. Harris’ record suggests she may not provide the firm support that Israel needs. These elections are crucial, and the risks to Israel and the American Jewish community could not be higher. Voters should carefully consider the implications of a Harris presidency and its potential risks to one of America’s most important allies. American Jews must recognize that anti-Zionism is antisemitism, and that the allies they thought they had within the Democratic Party may no longer be as supportive as they once believed. If Jews care about Israel’s survival during this tumultuous time, they must understand that voting for Harris is not an option. This election is no longer a political choice; it is a life-or-death decision that could literally affect the existence of the Jewish state. The stakes could not be higher. Harris’ presidency could lead to policies that would embolden Israel’s enemies and weaken the alliance between the US and Israel, posing an existential threat to the Jewish state. —Zvika Klein (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
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