“Senior official” slams presumptive Democrat nominee for excessive support for Hamas talking points and emboldening the terror group

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden in a series of high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions, which took place amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, covered a broad spectrum of issues including regional security, the Iranian threat, and bilateral cooperation. However, Harris’ critical comments regarding Israel’s actions have sparked controversy and concern.

Meeting with Harris: Short and Icy

The first meeting, for a mere 40 minutes, was with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. Harris emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. “Our bond is unbreakable, and our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad,” Harris said. “We stand together in facing common challenges, including the threats posed by Iran and its proxies.”

Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the steadfast support from the United States, highlighting the importance of the alliance. “The friendship between our countries is more vital than ever,” he remarked. “We appreciate America’s support in ensuring Israel’s security and addressing the threats in our region.”

The discussions also touched on the Abraham Accords and the potential for expanding normalization agreements between Israel and other Arab nations. Harris noted, “We applaud the efforts towards normalization in the region and believe that these accords contribute significantly to regional stability and peace.”

However, Harris did not shy away from voicing critical comments regarding Israel’s policies. “We have serious concerns about the continued expansion of settlements and the ongoing violence in the West Bank,” she stated. “These actions undermine the possibility of a two-state solution and the prospects for lasting peace. We urge Israel to take meaningful steps towards de-escalation and to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

Harris went further, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the conflict. “Israel has a right to defend itself,” she acknowledged, “but how it does so matters. I expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies, we cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not remain silent.”

Harris’s comments were seen by some as encouraging to Hamas and detrimental to ongoing negotiations. Critics argue that by publicly criticizing Israel’s defensive actions, Harris may inadvertently embolden Hamas and undermine efforts to secure a ceasefire. “As I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it’s time to get this deal done,” she added. “Let’s get the deal done, so we can get a ceasefire to end the war. Let’s bring the hostages home and let’s provide much-needed aid to the Palestinian people.”

The statement subsequently released by the White House also mentioned her “concern about actions that undermine stability and security in the West Bank, such as extremist settler violence and settlement expansion.”

Harris snubbed Netanyahu at his airport arrival and at his address to Congress.

Meeting with Biden the “Irish American Zionist”

Later in the day, Netanyahu met with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office. The meeting was marked by a reaffirmation of the close ties between the United States and Israel. President Biden began by reiterating America’s enduring support for Israel. “The United States will always have Israel’s back,” Biden declared. “Our commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering, and we will continue to work together to address the challenges we both face.”

Netanyahu thanked President Biden for his support and addressed the pressing issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “Iran remains the greatest threat to our security,” Netanyahu asserted. “We must prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and I appreciate America’s firm stance on this matter.”

Biden echoed Netanyahu’s concerns, stating, “We are determined to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. We will continue to work closely with Israel and our other allies to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region.”

The two leaders also discussed the importance of advancing peace and stability in the region. “We are committed to a two-state solution and will continue to support efforts towards a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” Biden said. “We believe that peace is possible, and we must continue to work towards that goal.”

Statements and Outcomes

Following the meetings, both sides issued statements highlighting the positive outcomes of the discussions. The White House released a statement saying, “The meetings reaffirmed the strong bond between the United States and Israel and underscored our shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges and advancing peace in the Middle East.”

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office also issued a statement, emphasizing the critical importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance. “Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support of the United States and the strong personal friendship with President Biden. The discussions were productive and focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing common threats.”