Harris might be more inclined to criticize Netanyahu than Biden

Monday 22 July 2024 - 12:45

In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as a potential torchbearer for the Democratic Party's foreign policy vision. As President Joe Biden's endorsed successor and the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, Harris's approach to international relations is under increasing scrutiny.

While Harris is expected to largely continue Biden's foreign policy trajectory on matters such as arming Ukraine and strengthening U.S. alliances against Russia and China, her stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may present a point of divergence. Observers note that Harris appears more inclined to publicly critique Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza and show empathy for Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire.

This nuanced approach was evident in March when White House National Security Council officials reportedly moderated parts of Harris's speech addressing the need for a cease-fire and a hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. According to NBC News, the original draft of her remarks took a firmer stance on Israel's role in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasized the urgency of increased aid.

Harris's potential to address this issue differently has not gone unnoticed. A source close to the Biden administration suggests that Arab American voters, younger demographics, and progressives who oppose Biden's stance on Israel might find Harris's candidacy more appealing. "The hope is that this will help her numbers," the source added.

However, it's crucial to note that Harris maintains strong ties to the American Jewish community. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, is the first Jewish spouse of a vice president. The couple has embraced their family's Jewish connections, incorporating religious traditions into their official residence and engaging with Jewish community events.

Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, predicts that a Harris presidency would likely result in a shift in tone rather than a dramatic policy overhaul regarding Israel. "I would expect a much more balanced rhetorical posture," Miller stated. "She is likely to be more sympathetic when it comes to the issue of Palestinian statehood and even Palestinian rights."

Nevertheless, Miller emphasizes that Harris remains a strong supporter of America's traditional backing for Israel. This was evident in her response to Iran's drone and missile attacks on Israel in April, where she reaffirmed America's "ironclad" support for Israel's security.

On other foreign policy fronts, Harris's views seem to align closely with the Biden administration's stance. She has met with over 150 foreign leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and has consistently pledged U.S. support to allies in countering threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Harris's speech at the Munich Security Conference in February echoed Biden's commitment to supporting Ukraine "for as long as it takes" in its conflict with Russia. This alignment suggests that America's traditional allies in NATO and the Indo-Pacific would likely find reassurance in Harris as a potential successor to Biden.

As the campaign trail heats up, Harris is expected to build on Biden's foreign policy arguments, contrasting the current administration's approach with that of former President Donald Trump. Her critiques are likely to focus on Trump's perceived isolationism, his treatment of U.S. alliances, and his reluctance to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Harris's national security adviser, Philip Gordon, brings a wealth of experience from his roles in the Clinton and Obama administrations. Gordon's views align with those of moderate, left-of-center foreign policy experts who have been influential in recent Democratic administrations. His past writings have criticized Trump's "impulsive" handling of foreign policy challenges and warned against antagonizing allies and adversaries alike.

While Harris's foreign policy approach largely mirrors that of the Biden administration, her potentially more empathetic stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her nuanced views on other international issues suggest a subtle yet significant evolution in America's global engagement. As the political landscape continues to shift, Harris's foreign policy vision may play a crucial role in shaping the future of U.S. diplomacy and international relations.