Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly displeased with Vice President Kamala Harris' statements on the Gaza conflict, which he believes could jeopardize hostage and ceasefire negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with remarks made by Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to sources, Netanyahu believes Harris' statements could hinder efforts to secure a hostage and ceasefire deal.
The alleged diplomatic spat follows a series of meetings between Netanyahu, President Biden, and Harris in Washington, D.C., ahead of Netanyahu's meeting with former President Trump in Florida. An Israeli official told Axios that Netanyahu was particularly concerned about Harris' mention of civilian deaths in Gaza and the "dire humanitarian situation."
Diplomatic Rift: Netanyahu Reportedly Upset with VP Harris over Gaza Remarks
Israeli officials fear that Harris' public criticism of Israel could give Hamas the impression that there is daylight between the US and Israel, making it harder to reach a deal. They believe that a unified front between the two countries increases the chances of a hostage release and reduces the risk of regional escalation.
However, an aide for Harris has refuted these claims, stating that the Vice President's public comments aligned with her private statements to Netanyahu. The aide emphasized that both Biden and Harris conveyed the same message to Netanyahu: it is time for a ceasefire and a hostage deal.
Diplomatic Rift: Netanyahu Reportedly Upset with VP Harris over Gaza Remarks
In her remarks on Thursday, Harris expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense but also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. She called for an end to the conflict that would ensure the security of Israel, the release of hostages, and the end of Palestinian suffering.
Former Trump national security aide John Ullyot believes that Harris has taken on a more prominent role in foreign policy. He noted that she was the only official who made on-camera statements following her meeting with Netanyahu.
Diplomatic Rift: Netanyahu Reportedly Upset with VP Harris over Gaza Remarks
The reported diplomatic rift between Netanyahu and Harris highlights the challenges in balancing support for Israel with concerns about human rights and civilian casualties. As the conflict in Gaza continues, it remains to be seen how the differing perspectives between the US and Israel will impact negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.
