In recent revelations, Vice President Kamala Harris faced scrutiny regarding the United States’ relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes.” When questioned about whether Netanyahu is a reliable ally, Harris refrained from providing a straightforward answer. Instead, she highlighted the broader and enduring alliance between the American people and the Israeli people, sidestepping a direct assessment of Netanyahu’s leadership. This moment underscores the complex dynamics in U.S.-Israel relations, particularly amid the backdrop of the ongoing conflict and various wartime decisions made by Netanyahu that have clashed with the Biden administration’s public stance.
Harris’s ambiguous response came as she was pressed about the perceived waning influence of the U.S. over Netanyahu’s decisions, particularly actions that have drawn criticism in Washington. The interview illuminated a potential rift between the Biden administration and Netanyahu, where the Vice President’s reluctance to characterize him as a close ally highlights the diplomatic tensions. While she acknowledged the importance of the historic alliance, the lack of clarity surrounding Netanyahu’s reliability as a partner could reflect growing frustrations both in the U.S. and within the Democratic Party, which has increasingly distanced itself from Netanyahu’s government.
Additionally, both Harris and President Joe Biden have exhibited signs of distancing themselves from Netanyahu’s leadership. For instance, Harris made headlines when she chose to skip Netanyahu’s address to Congress, opting instead to attend a different engagement. Similarly, Biden’s administration has signaled support for a shift in Israeli leadership, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer publicly advocating for potential elections to oust Netanyahu. This distance indicates a broader discomfort with Netanyahu’s policies and political maneuvers, particularly as they deviate from the Biden administration’s strategic vision for the Middle East.
The political landscape in Israel, however, paints a different picture for Netanyahu. His popularity has reportedly surged since the onset of conflict on October 7, suggesting a robust support base that might favor his continuation in power. Recent polling indicates that Netanyahu’s coalition would likely secure re-election if new elections were held today. This disconnect between the sentiments within Israel and the political attitudes in the U.S. reflects a significant divergence in how Biden Democrats perceive Netanyahu versus how he is viewed domestically in Israel.
Moreover, the growing skepticism among Israelis towards Harris adds another layer of complexity to the U.S.-Israeli relations. Harris’s recent announcement of substantial financial aid to Lebanon raised eyebrows among Israeli officials, particularly in light of ongoing attacks from Hezbollah against Israel. This situation only exacerbates the concerns of Israeli policymakers regarding perceived American bias and the potential implications of U.S. foreign aid strategies on their national security. Such tensions reveal the delicacy of managing perceptions, alliances, and the geopolitical realities shaping both U.S. foreign policy and Israel’s defense landscape.
The current dynamics illustrate the challenges facing the Biden administration as it navigates a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. As tensions persist in the Middle East, ensuring a solid and reliable partnership with Israel becomes increasingly complex for the U.S., particularly with a contentious figure like Netanyahu at the helm. The evolving political attitudes among Democrats and the heightened anxiety among Israelis regarding U.S. policies signal that both nations must critically reassess their strategies and communications to uphold their long-standing alliance amidst an intricate web of local and international pressures.