Vice President Kamala Harris said “Israel has the right to defend itself … and how important it is.” Harris’ comments followed a meeting he held with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Thursday.
“It is time for this war to end and end in a way where Israel is safe, all hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity and self-determination,” he said. Harris.
Since Harris launched his campaign on Sunday, the de facto Democratic presidential candidate has come under pressure to better define his position on Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, now in its tenth month.
Harris said his conversation with Netanyahu was “frank,” and that he pressed him to move forward on a multi-phase plan to de-escalate the war in densely populated Gaza, free hostages and allow Palestinians in Gaza to resume their daily lives.
“There are hopeful movements and discussions to secure an agreement on this deal,” he said. “And as I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it’s time to get this deal done.”
“So to everyone who has called for a ceasefire. And to everyone who wants peace. I see you and I hear you…. Let’s bring the hostages home. And let’s provide the relief we need for the Palestinian people.”
The meeting came during a polarizing visit to Washington by Netanyahu and the Israeli delegation.
As Netanyahu spoke to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the US Capitol to protest the visit and American support for Israel. Protesters destroyed statues and burned American flags, replacing them with Palestinian flags.
“I condemn anyone associated with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to destroy the State of Israel and kill the Jewish people,” Harris said in a statement about the protest earlier Thursday. “Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is disgusting and we should not tolerate it in our country.”
“Let us all condemn terrorism and violence,” Harris said after meeting with Netanyahu Thursday. “Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians. And let us condemn anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and hate of any kind. And let us work to unite our country.”
Biden and Netanyahu held a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at noon, after the two heads of state met with the families of the American hostages.
“We feel more optimistic than since the first release in late November, early December, where more than 100 Israeli hostages were released,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is currently being held in Gaza. said.
“We got an absolute commitment from the Biden administration and from Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand how important it is now, not to waste time, and to complete this deal as it is now.”
This is a developing story please check back for updates