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31-10-2023
WASHINGTON: The “US is not telling Israel what to do,” Vice President Kamala Harris has stated, as debate over Washington’s stance on the war in Gaza mounts.
Speaking in an interview with CBS on Sunday, Harris stressed that the United States is only providing advice, equipment and diplomatic support to Israel. US troops will not be sent to Israel or Gaza, she added.
US policy regarding the conflict has come under increased focus after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country’s war with Hamas has entered its “second stage”.
“A terrorist organisation, Hamas, slaughtered hundreds of young people at a concert…..Israel, without any question, has a right to defend itself,” Harris told CBS reporter Bill Whitaker.
“That being said, it is very important that there be no conflation between Hamas and the Palestinians. The Palestinians deserve equal measures of safety and security, self-determination and dignity, and we have been very clear that the rules of war must be adhered to and that there be humanitarian aid that flows,” she said.
Asked whether the war could drag US troops in to fight, Harris said: “We have absolutely no intention nor do we have any plans to send combat troops into Israel or Gaza, period.”
Harris also noted that while the US wants to ensure the conflict does not escalate, it has not been easy.
Her comments came after the US struck facilities in Syria linked to Iran last week, following a series of attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said the strikes in Syria are not connected to the Israel-Hamas war, despite claims that the tit-for-tat attacks came due to Washington’s stance on the Israel-Gaza war.
US President Joe Biden has also told reporters that Washington’s response has “nothing to do” with Israel.
Yet Harris also noted to Whitaker that President Biden has warned Iran not to create a wider conflict.
Vice President Harris’s comments are in line with the White House stance. But within Washington’s diplomatic corridors there are signs of friction.
Democrats seeking a ceasefire are frustrated over Biden’s continuing steadfast support for Israel amid its blockade and bombardment of Gaza.
US diplomats are reported to be preparing a “dissent cable”. The document, criticizing Washington’s policy, will go to State Department leaders.
“There’s basically a mutiny brewing within State at all levels,” one State Department official told the Huffington Post.
Last week, State Department official Josh Paul resigned, citing the Biden administration’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war as a reason.
“Hamas’ attack on Israel was not just a monstrosity; it was a monstrosity of monstrosities. (Int’l News Desk)
