US Vice President Kamala Harris sidestepped a direct answer when asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could still be considered a “close ally” of the United States, according to Al Jazeera.
In an interview excerpt with CBS News’s 60 Minutes, released on Sunday, Harris was questioned about the US response to Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza and Lebanon amid growing criticism of Netanyahu’s actions, despite calls from the US for de-escalation.
Democratic candidate Harris in the upcoming November presidential election, responded by emphasising US efforts to pressure both Israel and Arab nations in the Middle East to agree to a ceasefire. “The work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel,” she told 60 Minutes.
When pressed on whether the US still considers Netanyahu a “real, close ally,” Harris deflected, saying, “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.'”
The US provides Israel with at least $3.8 billion in military aid annually, and President Joe Biden has approved an additional $14 billion in assistance since Israel’s war with Hamas began on October 7, 2023.
While the US continues to advocate for de-escalation, officials have reiterated their support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
“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.
He also mentioned that Israel is required to minimize civilian casualties, in line with international humanitarian law.
“They need to take actions to mitigate civilian harm. They’re required to do that under international humanitarian law, in Lebanon as they are anywhere else,” Miller added.