VP Kamala Harris holds Talks with Israeli Official, Defying Netanyahu
Top Biden administration diplomats meeting with Israel’s wartime Cabinet Member
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and other senior Biden administration officials engaged in talks with a prominent Israeli official on Monday, despite objection from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden administration officials emphasized the importance of meeting with the Israeli official, Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, in a bid to address critical issues and cement bilateral relations. Harris expressed the administration’s priorities, which included securing a hostage deal, providing vital aid, and negotiating a six-week ceasefire with the hope of ending the five-month-long war.
The discussions follow the U.S.’s recent bombardment of aid into Gaza, bypassing Israel due to the contentious dynamics in the U.S.-Israel relationship. The airdrop aimed to alleviate the dire humanitarian situationed in Gaza, exacerbated by recent casualties suffered as Palestinians attempted to access food from an Israel-organized convoy.
Friction in the U.S.-Israel Relationship
The meeting, despite Netanyahu’s disapproval, highlighted the evolving dynamics in the U.S.-Israel relationship. The White House accepted the meeting despite objections from Netanyahu’s Likud party, underling a growing divide within Israel’s wartime leadership. Notably, Netanyahu’s rebuke to Gantz presented a significant crack, emphasizing the importance the U.S. places on maintaining relationships beyond Netanyahu’s leadership.
Critical Talks and Broad Engagement
Gantz’s visit included meetings with several top U.S. officials, including
In addition to Kamala Harris, Benny Gantz met with White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, National Security Council Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This engagement underscores the strong and enduring ties between the two friendly nations and the importance of open and honest dialogue to tackle key regional challenges.
Palestinian Crisis and U.S. Political Pressure
President Joe Biden, Vice President Harris, and other senior officials expressed their increasing discontent with the escalating death toll and humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinians during the prolonged war with Israel. The U.S. is pressing for a temporary ceasefire agreement spanning six weeks, with the expectation that Hamas will also join the deal. Biden is under mounting political pressure regarding his administration’s handling of the Israeli-Hamas war, giving rise to concerns from disillusioned left-wing voters, particularly in states like Michigan.
The Israeli Domestic Front
Gantz’s role in Israel’s war Cabinet has revealed his willingness to engage and compromise on critical issues. However, the Israeli public anticipates his departure from the government, which, in turn, may trigger early elections and create an opportunity to oust Netanyahu’s government.
Despite his hardline stance on certain issues, Gantz aimed to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, garner support for Israel’s war efforts, and advocate for the release of Israeli hostages. The White House’s engagement with Gantz, while potentially undermining Netanyahu, aids Gantz’s political position domestically.
Both the U.S. and Israel have underscored the need to protect civilians, warning against expanded operations or retaliation without a plan that safeguards innocent lives.
The news on VP Kamala Harris meeting with the Israeli official despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains focus on the pursuit of diplomacy to address critical matters amid ongoing hostilities. Increased engagement between the U.S. and Israeli parties adds weight to the importance of fostering peace and stability, as efforts to resolve the prolonged Israeli-Hamas conflict continue.
Contributors
Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg, Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, Matthew Lee, and Zeke Miller contributed to the report.
