When asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could still be viewed as a” near supporter” of the United States, US Vice President Kamala Harris responded directly.
In an interview excerpt with CBS News’s 60 Minutes, released on Sunday, Harris was questioned about the US reaction to Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza and Lebanon amid growing criticism of Netanyahu’s behavior, despite calls from the US for de-escalation.
In the future November presidential election, Harris emphasized US efforts to persuade Israel and Middle Eastern allies to agree to a peace. According to her,” Israel has caused a number of actions in that area through our job,” she told 60 Minutes.
When pressed on whether the US also considers Netanyahu a “real, near ally”, Harris deflected, saying,” I think, with all due respect, the better question is, do we have an important ally between the British people and the Jewish people? And the answer to that question is ‘ yes.'”
Israel receives at least$ 3.8 billion in military aid annually from the US, and President Joe Biden has approved an additional$ 14 billion in aid since Israel’s conflict with Hamas first commenced on October 7, 2023.
While the US continues to argue for de-escalation, authorities have reiterated their support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
” Obviously, problems, targeted attacks on civilians, could not be justified, but Israel does have the right to go after extremists”, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
In accordance with international humanitarian law, he even mentioned that Israel is required to reduce deaths for civilians.
They must take actions to lessen damage to civilians. They are required to do that in Lebanon as they are somewhere else under international humanitarian law,” Miller continued.
Trending
- Watch: Israel releases unseen footage from October 7 Hamas onslaught
- Writers group apologizes for canceling panel with ‘Zionist’ author
- Trump official warns of ‘widespread’ student visa fraud
- Kamala Harris dodges question on Netanyahu being US’s ‘close ally’
- Over 6,000 people in Haiti leave their homes after gang attack killed dozens
- ‘Wouldn’t have given birth’: Gaza mother struggles to provide for newborns amid conflict
- Kamala Harris Kicks off media blitz with ‘Call Her Daddy’
- Was Helene ‘deliberately’ steered towards Republican areas?