Rumor denied: VP Harris doesn’t support Israel arms embargo, aide says
US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive for a meeting in the vice president's ceremonial office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC, on July 25, 2024. (AFP Photo)
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris faced rumors and pressure from pro-Palestinian activists to discuss an arms embargo on Israel as the Gaza war intensifies. However, an aide clarified that Harris did not agree to such a discussion, despite activists’ claims of her openness to the idea.
- The exchange: During a campaign event in Detroit, activists from the Uncommitted Movement, a group critical of U.S. policy on Gaza, briefly spoke with Harris. Layla Elabed and Abbas Alawieh, co-founders of the movement, claimed that Harris expressed a willingness to meet and discuss the group’s demand for an arms embargo on Israel. Elabed stated that Harris nodded in agreement when asked about the meeting.
- Clarification: An aide to Harris, speaking anonymously, refuted these claims, asserting that Harris did not agree to discuss the embargo. Harris’ national security adviser, Phil Gordon, later reiterated on X that the vice president has always been clear about supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups. He emphasized that Harris does not support an arms embargo on Israel but remains committed to protecting civilians in Gaza and upholding international humanitarian law.
Gaza war’s humanitarian toll
The ongoing war in Gaza, which began on Oct. 7, has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis. Israel’s military response has resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths and displaced 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, creating severe food shortages and a dire situation for civilians.
- U.S. response: The Biden administration has faced increasing calls from activists and political groups to reconsider the billions of dollars in military aid provided to Israel. In May, the U.S. paused a shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs to Israel, citing concerns over their potential impact on Gaza. The Uncommitted Movement has been particularly vocal in demanding that the U.S. impose conditions on its military support for Israel.
- Political implications: The Uncommitted Movement, which has garnered significant support in states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Hawaii, is leveraging its influence to push for policy changes at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The group disrupted Harris’ speech in Detroit, chanting, “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide, we won’t vote for genocide.” Harris responded by defending her belief in democracy and the importance of every voice being heard, though she continued to deliver her speech despite the protests.
Activists demand more than words
Despite Harris’ empathetic statements regarding the plight of civilians in Gaza, pro-Palestinian activists argue that a change in rhetoric is insufficient. They demand concrete action to halt U.S. arms transfers to Israel, which they believe are fueling the conflict.
- Activists’ stance: The Uncommitted Movement released a statement expressing their hope for continued engagement with Harris’ office, emphasizing that the current White House policy, which allows bombs to be sent to Israel, emboldens Israeli actions in Gaza. The group remains eager to continue discussions with Harris and her team, as they believe that American weapons are contributing to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
