Rep. Khanna has stated that Vice President Kamala Harris' team has expressed an openness to exploring a new direction in U.S.-Israel policy, particularly regarding aid conditions.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris' team has indicated an openness to reconsidering the current U.S. policy toward Israel. Khanna made this statement during an appearance on "Meet the Press," where he highlighted the need for a new approach to address the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
"What she has – her team has expressed openness is to a new direction," Khanna stated. "Anyone looking at this policy, you have hostages who still aren't released. You have a war that has lasted almost 11 months. You have over 40,000 people in Gaza dying. We need a new direction of policy to bring the war to an end."
Harris Open to Revising Israel Policy, Says Khanna
Khanna has been advocating for a more nuanced approach to U.S.-Israel relations, arguing that it should not be based solely on unconditional support. He has emphasized the importance of enforcing U.S. laws that prohibit the provision of aid to foreign allies without certain conditions being met.
The Harris campaign has yet to comment on Khanna's remarks but has previously indicated that it would conduct a comprehensive review of the current Israel policy. According to a Washington Post report, Harris may consider imposing new conditions on some aid to Israel.
Harris Open to Revising Israel Policy, Says Khanna
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has urged the Biden administration to continue its plan to deliver weapons to his country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently announced $404 million in new aid to Palestinians, bringing the total humanitarian assistance provided by the U.S. to Gaza since the conflict began to over $674 million.
In response to the recent murder of six hostages by Hamas, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, President Biden and Vice President Harris are scheduled to meet with the U.S. hostage deal negotiating team in the White House Situation Room. The meeting will focus on efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Harris Open to Revising Israel Policy, Says Khanna
The conflict in the Middle East began on October 7th when Hamas launched a series of attacks on Israel, killing over 1,100 people. Israel subsequently declared war, leading to the capture of an estimated 257 Israeli hostages in Gaza. Of these, 101 remain in captivity, and 66 are believed to be alive, including four American citizens.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences for the people of Gaza, with over 40,000 casualties reported. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions and have called for an immediate end to the hostilities.
The U.S. has played a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Palestinian groups in the past. However, the Trump administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. embassy there drew widespread criticism from Palestinians and other Arab nations.
The Biden administration has taken steps to repair relations with the Palestinians, including restoring aid to the Palestinian Authority and reopening the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. However, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. can effectively broker a lasting peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.
