Biden and Netanyahu meet amid protests; Harris urges ceasefire
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Israeli Prime Minister also met with Vice President Kamala Harris. "I will not be silent," said Harris, who is likely to be the Democratic Party's candidate in this year's presidential election.
3:33 PM EDT, July 26, 2024
On Thursday, Joe Biden met with Benjamin Netanyahu, a day after the Israeli Prime Minister addressed Congress, announcing victory over Hamas. Meanwhile, thousands of people were protesting in the streets against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
At a press conference, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the urgent need for an agreement to release hostages, the potential for the conflict to spread to Lebanon, the threat from Iran, and the need to reach "compromises" in peace talks.
Kamala Harris, who also spoke with the Israeli President, presented a much sharper stance on the matter. "It's time to end this war," said the Vice President after their face-to-face talks at the White House. After the meeting with Netanyahu, Harris stressed that Israel can count on "unwavering support" from America.
Israel has the right to defend itself. And the way it does so matters — said Harris, as quoted by the BBC.
Kamala Harris declares: "I will not be silent"
The Vice President also expressed her concern about the "tragic humanitarian situation" in the Gaza Strip. "We cannot afford to be indifferent to suffering, and I will not be silent," said Kamala Harris. She emphasized that everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire and, ultimately, peace.
The likely Democratic candidate stressed that Israeli hostages must be brought home and also "bring much-needed relief to the Palestinian people." BBC points out that Harris's firm stance on Israel could bring her substantial benefits in the elections. It was also noted that the strong support for Israel by Biden has angered many leftist activists, whose support the Democrats may need if they want to win the November presidential elections.
