Vice President Kamala Harris and Israel: A Record of Complicity, Not Change
Melissa Garriga
Vice President Kamala Harris has often been portrayed as a more sympathetic figure toward the plight of Palestinians, a leader who might offer a nuanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, this narrative is deeply misleading. Harris has accepted over half a million dollars from the pro-Israel lobby, and her actions, along with those of President Biden, underscore the administration's unwavering support for Israel's ongoing occupation and brutal campaign in Palestine. As she gears up to receive even more funding from these groups in the coming months, it's critical to scrutinize her record on Israel and question whether she is genuinely committed to justice or merely paying lip service to the demands of her donors.
The endorsement of Harris by the Jewish Democratic Coalition of America on July 22, 2024, is telling. They praised her as a "deeply committed and principled public servant" who would continue to advance the policy priorities of all Americans, including Jewish Americans. This endorsement was no surprise; it was a calculated move by an organization that has long sought to maintain the status quo in U.S.-Israel relations. JDCA CEO Halie Soifer reminisced about Harris' 2017 trip to Israel, highlighting her "deep commitment to Israel's security and strong ties to the Jewish community." This trip, however, should not be romanticized—it was a clear signal of Harris's alignment with the pro-Israel lobby, a relationship that has only deepened over the years.
Harris's recent actions further illustrate her troubling stance. Last month, she hosted an event at the White House focused on conflict-related sexual violence, with a particular emphasis on Hamas's alleged abuses on October 7—allegations that have since been debunked. Yet, she conveniently neglected to address the well-documented and proven sexual violence committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) against Palestinians. This selective outrage is not only hypocritical but also reveals a disturbing willingness to ignore atrocities committed by Israel while amplifying unsubstantiated claims against its Palestinians.
The Jewish Current's 2020 article on Harris's ties to the AIPAC lobby group paints an even clearer picture. Harris was lauded as the "star performer" at AIPAC's 2017 Policy Conference, and her private speech to the group the following year only solidified her commitment to its cause. Even when grassroots pressure mounted for Democratic candidates to distance themselves from AIPAC in 2019, Harris quietly met with AIPAC leaders, reaffirming her commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel alliance and combating anti-Semitism. When asked whether Israel meets international standards of human rights, Harris's response was a resounding "Overall, yes," a statement that starkly contrasts with the reality of Israel's human rights abuses.
The Vice President's stories of planting trees in Israel as a child are particularly tone-deaf. This attempt at greenwashing Israel's occupation overlooks the ecological devastation that the IOF has inflicted on Palestinian land, water, and vegetation for over seven decades. The recent destruction of Gaza is just the latest chapter in this long history of environmental and human devastation.
Harris's condemnation of protests in Washington, D.C., opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Congress further underscores her alignment with Biden's policies on Israel. By labeling these protests as anti-Semitic, she not only silences legitimate dissent but also demonstrates a complete lack of understanding—or worse, a willful disregard—of the real issues at hand.
As Vice President, Harris's primary responsibility is to serve the American people, and polls show that the majority of Americans want a permanent ceasefire and an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel. Harris has tried to strategically position herself as distinct from President Biden on Israel's genocide campaign in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire "for at least six weeks" in March 2024. But this was far too little, far too late. By then, Israel had already murdered 30,000 Palestinians, and the genocide was five months underway. The number of deaths and months of genocide tragically continues to grow.
Given Harris's record, there is little reason to believe she will diverge from Biden's policies on Israel. However, it is not too late for her to use her position to advocate for a genuine ceasefire and an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel. The lives of innocent men, women, and children depend on it. Harris must choose: Will she continue to align herself with the pro-Israel lobby, or will she stand up for the principles of justice and human rights? The world is watching, and history will judge her accordingly.
Kamala: We need a ceasefire and arms embargo NOW!
Melissa Garriga is the communications and media relations manager for CODEPINK. She writes about the intersection of militarism and the human cost of war.
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