Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris responded with a firm “no” when CNN’s Dana Bash asked if she would alter the policy on supplying arms and weaponry to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas.
Bash questioned Harris during her first sit-down interview since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee, over a month ago.
When CNN’s Dana Bash asked Kamala Harris if she would alter the policy on supplying arms to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas, Harris responded with a firm “no.
Bash inquired whether Harris would make any changes, given President Biden’s ongoing efforts to mediate the conflict. Harris did not address the question directly, instead emphasizing her steadfast commitment to Israel’s defense.
“Let me be very clear. I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself, and that’s not going to change,” Harris said. She also stressed the need for a resolution to the conflict but did not outline a specific plan, stating:
“But let’s take a step back; October 7, 1200 people were massacred, many young people who were simply attending a music festival. Women were horribly raped. As I said then, I say today, Israel had a right, has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, and we have got to get a deal done. We were in Doha. We have to get a deal done. This war must end. We must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out. I’ve met with the families of the American hostages. Let’s get the hostages out. Let’s get the ceasefire done.”
When pressed again about changing arms policy, Harris reiterated:
“No, we have to get a deal done.”
She added:
“When you look at the significance of this to the families, to the people who are living in that region, a deal is not only the right thing to do to end this war, but will unlock so much of what must happen next. I remain committed — since I’ve been on October 8 — to what we must do to work toward a two-state solution where Israel is secure and, in equal measure, the Palestinians have security, self-determination, and dignity.”
This response follows significant criticism from over half a million Democratic primary voters who have protested the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The national pro-Palestinian group Abandon Biden has announced plans to work against Harris in the upcoming election, accusing her of complicity in the conflict.