Former President Harry Truman might be unsettled by the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Israeli relations, especially with Kamala Harris emerging as the potential Democratic nominee. The latter’s recent interactions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signal a potential shift in the traditionally steadfast U.S. support for Israel, highlighting a more nuanced approach that includes strong concerns for Palestinian civilians.

In a significant meeting, Harris urged Netanyahu to seek a cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel’s military actions. “I’ve said it many times but it bears repeating: Israel has a right to defend itself, but how it does so matters,” Harris stated. Her remarks reflect a growing empathy within the Democratic Party towards the plight of Palestinians, a marked departure from the Biden administration’s earlier, more unambiguous support for Israel.

Harris’s declaration of candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination brings her foreign policy perspectives into sharper focus. While maintaining Israel’s right to self-defense, she has voiced deep concern over the humanitarian toll in Gaza, describing the images of dead children and displaced families as “devastating.” She added: “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent.”

This stance has not gone unnoticed. More and more on the Hill are highlighting that both the Democratic and Republican candidates might pressure Israel to end the conflict. Even former President Donald Trump, traditionally a staunch supporter of Israel, recently urged for a resolution to avoid further public relations damage.

Internationally, Harris’s statements have led to mixed reactions. While some view her comments as a necessary moral stance, Israeli officials expressed concern that her focus on Palestinian suffering could embolden Hamas to demand more in ceasefire negotiations. Senior Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, criticized Harris for potentially complicating the delicate talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

In this evolving political landscape, Harris’s balancing act of supporting Israel while advocating for Palestinian rights might reshape the Democratic Party’s approach, reflecting a broader, more inclusive perspective on Middle Eastern conflicts.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican U.S. presidential nominee, recently addressed Jewish party donors in New Jersey, sharing controversial comments from his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump claimed that Netanyahu told him Jewish voters support the Democratic Party out of habit, a sentiment Trump echoed by stating, “The Democrats hate Israel.”

Trump’s comments follow his criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of the meeting with Netanyahu and her absence from his speech to Congress. Trump suggested that Jewish supporters of Harris or the Democratic Party “should have their head examined,” alleging her actions were “terrible and insulting.”

Trump also accused Harris of antisemitism, claiming she skipped Netanyahu’s address due to her dislike of Jewish people and Israel. These remarks intensified his rhetoric against Harris, whom he also described as “totally against the Jewish people.”

With Harris nearly securing the Democratic nomination after President Biden decided not to seek reelection, polls show a tight race between her and Trump. Analysts believe Harris’s unexpected rise has left the Trump campaign scrambling to develop effective attacks…

Nad Sivaramen (de Washington, D.C.)

Directeur des publications