Kamala Harris Navigates Divisive Foreign Policy Ahead of Netanyahu’s Visit

Vice President Kamala Harris Confronts Divisive Foreign Policy Issue

In her inaugural week as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to engage with one of the most contentious topics in U.S. foreign policy. This comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel embarks on an official visit to Washington.

Netanyahu’s visit shines a spotlight on Harris’s evolving stance, especially given her vocal advocacy regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Recently, during a civil rights address in Selma, Alabama, she attracted significant attention by calling for an “immediate cease-fire” and criticizing Israel for what she described as a “humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in Gaza.

Harris is set to engage in a private meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister at the White House. However, the remarks she makes before and after this pivotal discussion will be scrutinized for insights into her potential approach towards Israel’s military actions in Gaza should she secure the presidency in the upcoming November elections.

President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday, has faced a notable decline in popularity among progressive Democratic voters. This dip in approval comes as he has resisted their mounting calls to halt the flow of American military aid to Israel. The ramifications of this stance have been particularly pronounced in crucial battleground states like Michigan. Democratic strategists are optimistic that Harris can distance herself from this stigma and potentially win back liberal voters who have expressed reservations about supporting Biden due to his policies regarding Israel.

Notably, Harris plans to forgo Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, according to White House officials. This decision is seen as a strategic move that could enhance her appeal among progressive voters. Instead, she will honor a pre-existing commitment to speak at an event in Indiana, organized by one of the nation’s largest historically Black sororities.

While Harris has been perceived as more critical of the situation in Gaza compared to Biden, it is anticipated that she will not convey any divergent views from the current administration’s policy during her meeting with Netanyahu.