Harris’s Stance on Israel-Hamas War: A Question Looming Over the Campaign

Student Protests Highlight Issue

Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris faced interruptions from student protesters at a campaign speech in Detroit, who chanted against her support for Israel. Harris’s response to the protest, which included shutting down the protesters and stating that their actions would benefit Donald Trump, raised questions about her position on the Israel-Hamas war and its potential impact on Democratic voters concerned about the crisis in Gaza.

Growing Support for Palestine

In recent years, particularly among younger and Arab American voters, there has been a growing expression of support for the Palestinian cause. This support has led to dissatisfaction with President Biden’s support for Israel and the continued provision of military aid, which may exceed $12 billion this fiscal year. This voter dissatisfaction could potentially influence the outcome of future elections, as seen in the 2020 Democratic primary where approximately 17% of voters chose “uncommitted” candidates instead of Biden.

However, with Harris on the Democratic ticket for 2024, it is uncertain whether this potential protest vote remains a significant threat. Harris has the opportunity to distance herself from Biden on the issue since her positions on the conflict remain largely undefined. On the other hand, Trump’s absence from office during the current crisis means that voters may be less familiar with his stance on the issue, which pro-Palestinian activists fear may be strongly pro-Israel.

Parallels with Black Lives Matter Movement

A decade ago, during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in the US, fighting broke out between Israel and Gaza, resulting in a significant loss of Palestinian civilian lives. The coincidence of these events highlighted the shared experiences of oppression and the growing connection between progressive activists working for both causes. This connection has contributed to a rise in sympathy for Palestinians among Americans.

Public Opinion on Israel-Hamas Conflict

According to Gallup polls, over the past five years, there has been a noticeable shift in public opinion regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the percentage of Americans who sympathize more with Israelis has declined from 59% to 56%, those who sympathize more with Palestinians has increased from 17% to 26%. This shift is particularly evident among Democrats and younger generations.

President Biden’s initial response to the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, expressing unwavering support for Israel’s security, drew mixed reactions. While a majority of Americans initially approved of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the growing Gazan civilian death toll has led to a decline in support. By June, only 42% of Americans, including just 23% of Democrats, approved of Israel’s actions.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, Democratic leaders have called for a ceasefire. The Biden administration has attempted to negotiate peace terms, but Hamas has resisted participation. The US, Egypt, and Qatar have pushed for peace talks, but no agreement has been reached.

Harris’s Position and Voter Concerns

Harris has not yet outlined a detailed policy plan on the conflict, but she has called for a ceasefire and expressed support for a resolution of the hostage situation. Her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and her decision not to attend his address to Congress have raised questions about her stance.

Many voters are dissatisfied with the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis. A recent poll indicated that 38% of Americans favor decreasing military aid to Israel. These voters, particularly those who supported “uncommitted” candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary, may consider splitting from the Democratic coalition if they are unhappy with Harris’s response.

Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid, who met with Harris outside her Detroit rally, conveyed the concerns of voters, emphasizing the need for policy changes and a commitment to reducing the supply of bombs to Israel.

Trump’s Stance and Voter Awareness

Despite the protests against Harris, former President Trump has not been a focus of the demonstrations. Shahid attributed this to Trump’s absence from office, which has made voters less aware of his positions on the conflict. Republicans in general are more likely to support Israel, but the extent of Trump’s plans for a potential second term remain unknown.

Pressure from Both Sides

While some Democrats are pushing Harris to address concerns about Israel, others advocate for a stronger stance in support of the country. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has been involved in Democratic primaries, supporting candidates who favor Israel.

Political strategist Mark Mellman emphasized the importance of Israel’s military, political, and diplomatic support, while acknowledging the need to defeat Hamas and prevent its involvement in postwar reconstruction.

Public Opinion on Protests

Protests against Israel’s actions have drawn mixed reactions from the public. Half of Americans oppose pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, and only 30% of Biden voters support their tactics. This may explain the cheers from Harris supporters when she clapped back at the protesters during her speech.

Balancing Act for Harris

As the election approaches, the Israel-Hamas war is likely to remain a key issue. Harris faces the challenge of navigating between two passionate groups: those who demand a change in US policy towards Israel and those who support continued support. Her ability to address these concerns while maintaining public support for Israel will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the election and the future of US foreign policy in the Middle East.