Kamala Harris informs Netanyahu:
Kamala Harris, who is anticipated to be the Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election in November engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She described their interaction as “open and productive.”
Ms. Harris displayed a more forceful stance than President Joe Biden, expressing her “serious concerns” about casualties in Gaza and emphasizing to Mr. Netanyahu the importance of Israel defending itself.
“It’s time for this war to come to a conclusion” she remarked following their in-person discussion at the White House.
Ms. Harris emphasized the importance of reaching a two state solution and urged Americans to understand the complexity of the conflict.
Earlier Thursday Mr. Netanyahu met with Mr. Biden, who withdrew from his re election bid on Sunday.
The day following his passionate speech to Congress, Mr. Netanyahu held meetings at the White House promising “total victory” against Hamas, while pro Palestinian protesters gathered outside.
The leader is under pressure from both domestic and international sources to end the Israel-Gaza war, which has been going on for nine months.
Many left-wing activists are angered by Mr. Biden’s firm backing of Israel. This backing may be necessary for Democrats to win the upcoming presidential election in November.
With that being said, there is also a lot of curiosity about the stance Ms. Harris may adopt towards Israel if she were to succeed Mr. Biden as President.
Following a 40minute meeting with Mr. Netanyahu, Ms. Harris expressed her steadfast dedication to Israel and its justified self-defense.
According to Israeli statistics the conflict started on 7 October when Hamas fighters from Gaza attacked southern Israel resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the capture of over 250 individuals.
Israel’s counterattack in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 39,000 individuals.
Israel is entitled to protect itself. Ms. Harris emphasized the importance of how it operates, while also showing worry about the “severe humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.
She stated that we must not become indifferent to the pain and that she will not remain silent.
“She suggested completing the deal to achieve a ceasefire and conclude the war” she remarked. “Let’s ensure the hostages are returned safely and provide essential assistance to the Palestinian population.”
Mr. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday.
Upon encountering Mr. Biden earlier, the prime minister mentioned having been acquainted with him for four decades and that the US leader had established relationships with each Israeli prime minister in the past fifty years.
He expressed gratitude for five decades of dedication to public service and unwavering support for Israel, transitioning from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist.
Mr. Netanyahu expressed his anticipation to collaborate with Mr. Biden on important matters in the coming months.
The US president playfully remarked that Golda Meir was the initial Israeli prime minister he encountered, with successor Yitzhak Rabin present in a supporting role.
During a press conference, White House national security spokesman John Kirby mentioned that President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu talked about the immediate necessity for a hostage release agreement, the possibility of conflict spreading to Lebanon, the danger posed by Iran, and the importance of making concessions in peace negotiations.
Although Mr. Kirby acknowledged remaining gaps in the US-Israel relationship, he described it as still being in a “healthy” state.
“Healthy, in my view, does not imply total agreement” Mr. Kirby remarked noting that Mr. Biden is satisfied with his bond with the prime minister.
The US and Israeli leaders met privately with the families of seven US citizens who are currently held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
After the meeting Jonathan Dekel-Chen whose son Sagui was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October informed journalists that the meeting had been “effective and sincere”. He did not give any additional information.
“We are likely feeling more positive now than we have been since the initial round of releases in late November, early December” he stated.
