Is Netanyahu a close ally? Harris dodges question amid Biden’s terse words for Israeli PM

US Vice President Kamala Harris evaded from giving a direct response when she was asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be considered as a “real, close ally” of the United States.  

In an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Harris was asked about the US response to Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza and Lebanon amid mounting criticism of Netanyahu’s actions, despite calls from the US for de-escalation.

Harris, who is also Democratic Presidential nominee for the November 5 US elections 2024, said that America has been pushing for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the countries in West Asia.

When asked on whether the US still considers Netanyahu a “real, close ally,” Harris sidestepped a direct answer and said: “I think, with all due respect, the better question is, do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? And the answer to that question is ‘yes.’"

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Harris’ evasive response came within days after President Joe Biden used some terse words for Netanyahu in his address to the US Congress.  

On Friday, Biden said: “No administration has helped Israel more than I have. None. None, none. And I think Bibi [nickname for Netanyahu] should remember that.”

“And whether he’s trying to influence the election, I don’t know – but I’m not counting on that,” Biden further said.

During the interview Harris also said she maintains Israel has a right to defend itself. “And how it does so matters. Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. This war has to end,” she said.

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Harris was asked that the US has been supplying massive military aid to Israel, despite that, Netanyahu seems to have been “charting his own course”. The Israeli PM has been resisting to ceasefire despited Biden-Harris administration putting pressure on him, so “does the US have no sway over PM Netanyahu,” asked the host Bill Whitaker.

“The work that we do diplomatically with the leadership of Israel is an ongoing pursuit around making clear our principles,” Harris said.

Whitaker then asked that it seems Netanyahu has not been listening. To which Harris said, “We are not gonna stop pursuing what is necessary for the United States to be clear about where we stand on the need for this war to end."

The US provides at least $3.8 billion in military aid annually to Israel. Biden has approved an additional $14 billion in assistance since Israel’s war with Hamas began on October 7 last year.  

Though the US persistently advocates for de-escalation of Israel-Hamas war, officials have reiterated their support for Israel’s right to self-defence.

“Obviously, attacks, targeted attacks on civilians, could not be justified, but Israel does have the right to go after terrorists,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Miller further said that Israel is required to minimise civilian casualties, in line with international humanitarian law.

With inputs from agencies.