Vice President Kamala Harris has shown a nuanced stance on Israel in recent years, a topic that is gaining attention as she assumes a prominent role in the Democratic party while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington.
Since her entry into the Senate in 2017, Harris has been a vocal supporter of Jewish causes and has consistently backed the U.S. alliance with Israel. However, her unwavering support for the Jewish state has faced scrutiny amidst Israel's prolonged incursion into Gaza following the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7.
Shortly after assuming office, Harris and her husband, who is Jewish, visited Israel. This trip marked Harris's third visit to the country and the first for her husband, underscoring the significance of Israel to the Vice President, who has strong ties to the Jewish community from her upbringing.
In one of her early speeches as a senator in 2017, Harris addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, where she highlighted her resolution condemning the United Nations Security Council's censure of Israel. She emphasized the need for a negotiated resolution to the conflict, stating, 'Peace can only come through a reconciliation of differences at the negotiating table.' Harris also stressed the importance of standing up for Israel's equal treatment when it faces delegitimization.
