Kamala Harris Talks Israeli Arms Embargo With Pro-Hamas Supporters, Campaign Walks it Back

Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent comments about a potential arms embargo on Israel have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, marking a significant shift in the Biden administration’s stance on Middle East policy.

Harris very well may have indicated her true stance on Israel during a campaign stop in Detroit, where she engaged with leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement, a group known for its criticism of U.S. support for Israel.

The conversation between Harris and the movement’s founders, Abbas Alawieh and Layla Elabed, touched on a sensitive topic: the possibility of restricting arms sales to Israel. Harris’s apparent openness to discussing this idea represents a stark departure from longstanding U.S. policy, which has historically provided unwavering support to Israel, the region’s sole democracy.

“Voters wanted her to introduce an arms embargo immediately,” the group’s leaders reportedly told Harris. In response, the Vice President expressed willingness to explore the topic further, directing them to her staff for a potential meeting.

The significance of Harris’s comments cannot be overstated. For decades, the United States has maintained a strong alliance with Israel, viewing it as a crucial partner in a volatile region. An arms embargo would not only undermine this relationship but could also embolden Israel’s adversaries, including Iran and its proxies.

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Harris’s national security adviser, Phil Gordon, quickly attempted to clarify the Vice President’s position. In a statement on social media, Gordon asserted, “Harris does not support an arms embargo on Israel” and “will always ensure Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups.”

This rapid backtracking highlights the delicate balance the administration is trying to strike between appeasing its progressive pro-Palestinian base and maintaining its once secure Jewish party members and supporters.

The incident in Detroit is part of a broader trend in Harris’s campaign strategy. She appears to be aligning herself more closely with the Democratic Party’s progressive left wing, adopting positions that are even more critical of Israel than those of President Biden.

This shift is evidenced by her recent endorsement from the Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund, an anti-Israel group that had previously withheld support from Biden due to his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The group cited Harris’s “more hardline stance toward Israel” as a key factor in their endorsement. They specifically noted her decision to skip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s congressional address and her expressions of “more sympathy towards the people of Gaza.”

Harris’s evolving position on Israel policy raises questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. If her views gain traction within the administration, it could signal a dramatic realignment of American interests in the region.

Such a shift would not only affect U.S.-Israel relations but could also impact broader regional dynamics, potentially altering the balance of power and influencing ongoing conflicts.

As the campaign season progresses, Harris’s statements on Israel will likely face intense scrutiny from both supporters and critics.

The Vice President’s willingness to entertain ideas that were once considered politically taboo may energize progressive voters but could also alienate moderate Democrats and Republicans who view strong support for Israel as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.

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A Harris administration could very well reshape the Middle East with Israel the ultimate loser.