Benjamin Netanyahu’s July visit to Washington has placed the political spotlight on divisions within the Democratic party over the war in Gaza. After Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, the presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, inherits a politically thorny issue. It’s an issue that has plagued the president since the Hamas attacks in October 2023.
Harris will need to strike a difficult balance between explaining how she would chart a distinctive path on Israel and Palestine, while also defending the record of an administration in which she still serves.
The vice president’s record on the issue so far – and her decision not to preside over Netanyahu’s speech in Congress – have stoked hopes in progressive circles that the she may adopt a tougher position towards Israel. Such a shift could be vital in convincing pro-Palestinian voters disillusioned with Biden to turn out for her in November.
