Vice President Kamala Harris recently faced significant backlash following her appearance on the "60 Minutes" TV show.
During the broadcast, she struggled to define the U.S. stance on relations with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas, Fox News reported.
Vice President Harris's participation in the interview, conducted by Bill Whitaker, comes at a particularly volatile time as Israel persists in its conflict with Hamas. A terrorist attack on Israel a year earlier originally ignited this conflict.
Harris's responses have primarily sparked controversy, as people viewed them as unclear and evasive on key questions about U.S.-Israeli relations. These included direct questions about U.S. support for Netanyahu during these tense times. During the interview, Harris outlined the U.S. support for Israel, highlighting significant aid that has enabled Israel to defend itself against numerous ballistic missile attacks throughout the war's duration.
While discussing the broader implications of the conflict, Harris stated, "The aid that we have given Israel allowed Israel to defend itself against 200 ballistic missiles that were just meant to attack the Israelis and the people of Israel. And when we think about the threat that Hamas, and Hezbollah present, Iran, I think that it is without any question, our imperative to do what we can to allow Israel to defend itself against those kinds of attacks," adding a diplomatic dimension to her response.
She further emphasized the U.S. commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a resolution to the crisis, including a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
The immediate aftermath of the interview stirred a flurry of criticism across social media and from political figures, challenging Harris's vagueness and perceived lack of preparation. Critics included broadcaster Clay Travis, ESPN anchor Sage Steele, and politicians such as Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Elise Stefanik, who expressed disapproval of Harris's communication style and questioned her stance on Israel.
Kamala Harris also stressed the ongoing diplomatic work with Israel, focusing on U.S. principles that advocate for humanitarian aid and a concerted effort to resolve the war. She remarked:
"The work we do diplomatically with the leadership of Israel is ongoing,
pursuing clear principles, which include the necessity for humanitarian aid, war termination, and a deal for hostage release and ceasefire. We are relentless in exerting that pressure on Israel and in the region, engaging Arab leaders."
Responding to a pointed question about Netanyahu's receptivity to U.S. angles on policy and support, Harris deflected, focusing instead on the broader, enduring alliance between the American and Israeli people, marked by their shared interests and mutual security concerns.
Her avoidance of directly addressing questions about Netanyahu’s alignment with U.S. policy drew major attention, standing out as a highlight—or lowlight—of the interview, depending on one’s perspective.
This isn't the first time Harris has faced scrutiny over her comments regarding Israel. People have often perceived her earlier remarks as vague, particularly regarding her policies if she ascends to the presidency. Critics were quick to interpret her responses as indicative of a larger issue in her administration's foreign policy approach. Clay Travis noted, "Kamala is asked about Israel, can’t make any sense at all."
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s comments on the "60 Minutes" interview not only spurred debates about U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel but also highlighted challenges within her communication strategy. Despite the criticism, Harris maintains that the U.S.-Israel alliance remains strategic, focused on mutual security and diplomatic efforts toward peace and stability in the region.
