U.S. Foreign Policy and the Palestinian Crisis: The Stance of Trump and Harris

The ongoing Israeli occupation and its repercussions have intensified debates over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly in relation to the Palestinian plight. Recently, significant remarks by Vice President Kamala Harris during her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have drawn attention. On July 25, 2023, just before her official nomination as the Democratic candidate for the presidency, Harris expressed “grave concern” about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the high number of civilian casualties following Israel’s military responses to Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023.

Harris emphasized that the images of suffering, especially those of children, were impossible to ignore, stating, “We cannot allow ourselves to be numb to the suffering.” Her comments were seen as a deviation from President Biden’s more restrained responses, raising speculation about a potential shift in U.S. policy should she succeed in the upcoming elections on November 5, 2024. While progressives in academia expressed hope for a possible policy recalibration, Harris’s previous remarks labeling student protests against Netanyahu as “anti-Semitic” questioned the genuineness of her recent statements about the humanitarian crisis.

In her past political engagements, even prior to her vice presidency, Harris has consistently supported pro-Israel measures, including votes in favor of military assistance and against resolutions condemning Israel’s settlement expansions. Such actions have led to skepticism regarding her commitment to alleviating Palestinian suffering, particularly from those in academic circles advocating for change. The criticisms reflect a broader context of U.S. political dynamics where pressures from both pro-Israel lobby groups and progressive movements have led to contradictory stances within the Democratic Party.

Despite attempts to position a balanced approach, the Biden-Harris administration’s support of Israel remains steadfast, exemplified by its recent military aid packages and the commitment to continue backing Israel’s military operations. The administration’s actions, including approval of a significant arms sale totaling $20 billion to Israel, and lifting a ban on sending offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia further illustrate a continuation of prior policy trajectories established during Donald Trump’s presidency focused on reinforcing bilateral ties with Israel.

Under Trump’s administration, decisions such as the relocation of the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over disputed territories mark a stark departure from previous diplomatic norms. Notably, Trump’s foreign policy approach, particularly his unilateral measures and aggressive stance towards Iran, lay groundwork that Harris and Biden have largely sustained, although with overtures of seeking humanitarian consideration for Palestinians.

In conclusion, while the Biden-Harris administration has attempted to navigate the complexities of U.S.-Israeli relations under the scrutiny of both domestic and international audiences, consistent past behaviors raise questions about the sincerity of their humanitarian commitments. The geopolitical landscape, coupled with internal pressures from various constituencies, suggests that U.S. policy is unlikely to drastically change unless there is a significant shift within the Democratic Party regarding their long-standing alliance with Israel.

This discourse is essential for understanding the implications of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly with respect to Palestinian rights and the broader ramifications of military support for foreign nations. As this dialog continues, it remains imperative to foster responsible engagement reflecting global humanitarian principles.

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