Lead Patriot

Right Leaning Commentary

Harris Meets With Benny Gantz After Speech
The Scoop

Harris Meets With Benny Gantz After Speech

Vice President Kamala Harris commemorated the 59th anniversary of Blood Sunday in Selma, Alabama by bringing up the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During remarks on Sunday, she expressed her support for an "immediate ceasefire" and called on the Israeli government to increase aid to Gaza. She also mentioned President Joe Biden's announcement of aid to Gaza on Friday.

As Harris spoke in support of a ceasefire, Israeli war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz arrived in Washington, D.C. for a meeting with Harris and others. However, Gantz's trip was not authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When Gantz called to coordinate messaging, Netanyahu refused and reminded Gantz that "there is only one prime minister." This highlights the ongoing divisions within the Israeli government.

The visit by Gantz signals growing divisions within Israel, as pointed out by headlines in various Israeli outlets. Haaretz even suggested that the Biden administration trusts Gantz more than Netanyahu. This further emphasizes the divisions between Biden and Netanyahu, who have been at odds since the Israeli leader was elected in 2019.

Gantz's visit to the U.S. also stirred up controversy in Jerusalem, with members of Netanyahu's Likud party accusing Gantz of being a "Trojan horse" and undermining the government's efforts in the war. However, Gantz's office claims that his trip was approved on Friday, and it only needed final authorization from Netanyahu. This incident adds to the existing political tensions within the coalition government.

During their meeting, Harris and Gantz discussed the urgency of achieving a hostage deal and the need for a humanitarian plan before any potential major military operation in Rafah. Harris also urged Israel to take additional measures to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and ensure safe distribution to those in need.

In a press gaggle, Harris addressed criticism that her remarks on Sunday were "sharp" against Israel. She reaffirmed that she and Biden are aligned and consistent in their position that Israel has a right to defend itself and that innocent Palestinian civilians should not be killed. Harris also expressed hope that a ceasefire will be in place by next Monday, though she did not mention Gantz's unauthorized trip.

This is not the first time in recent weeks that there have been disagreements between the Biden administration and Netanyahu. Last week, Biden's comments about expecting a ceasefire by Monday surprised Netanyahu. And during a press briefing, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby struggled to explain why Biden made those comments.

Biden is also facing a revolt among fellow Democrats for his support of Israel, including from those who have pledged to vote "uncommitted." This highlights the potential for a loss of support for Biden as he looks to the 2024 election.

Finally, it is worth noting that Biden has repeatedly criticized the "conservative" Israeli government, most recently in December, for reasons that he believes may impact his support ahead of the 2024 election. This shows the growing divide between the Biden administration and Netanyahu's government. There is currently no word on whether Gantz's visit will have any impact on these tensions, but it further highlights the ongoing political turmoil within the coalition government in Israel.

Written by Arthur Higgens - March 5, 2024