Democrat Senator Responds To Kamala Speech
On Sunday, during an interview with Rachel Scott on ABC News’ “This Week,” Vice President Kamala Harris stated that any major military operation by Israel in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah would be a major mistake. Scott asked Harris if Israel crossing into Rafah would be a “red line” for the Biden administration. Harris responded by saying that the administration has been clear that any major military operation in Rafah would be a mistake.
Harris also added that she has been studying the maps of the Gaza Strip and there is nowhere for residents of Rafah to go in the event of an attack. She emphasized that there are approximately 1.5 million people living in Rafah, most of whom have been directed to live there. She stated that the administration’s stance is that it would be a mistake for Israel to move into Rafah with a military operation.
When asked by Scott if there would be consequences for Israel if it were to move forward with an attack on Rafah, Harris stated, “Well, we’re going to take it one step at a time, but we’ve been very clear in terms of our perspective on whether or not that should happen.” She refused to rule out any potential consequences for Israel.
Hard disagree.
Israel has the right to prosecute Hamas to surrender or to be eliminated.
Hamas owns every innocent death for their cowardice hiding behind Palestinian lives. pic.twitter.com/tbid2eq7P4
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 24, 2024
In response to Harris’ stance on the issue, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), a staunch supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself, took to Twitter to express his disagreement. He wrote, “Hard disagree. Israel has the right to prosecute Hamas to surrender or to be eliminated. Hamas owns every innocent death for their cowardice hiding behind Palestinian lives.” Fetterman has consistently supported Israel in its conflict with Hamas, even standing on the roof of his home to wave an Israeli flag when anti-Israel protesters showed up at his doorstep.
Fetterman further denounced South Africa, which had accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. He emphasized that South Africa, a country with a history of racial violence, has no place in criticizing Israel for its actions against Hamas. Eylon Levy, a spokesperson for Israel, has also dismissed South Africa’s accusations, stating that Israel will send a legal team to the court to dispel “absurd blood libel.”
Fetterman also expressed his disgust at the tactics employed by Hamas, calling them a group of “cowards” who hide behind civilians and attack and kill innocent civilians. He criticized those who call for “proportionality” in Israel’s response, stating that Hamas would have taken more lives if they could have. He believes that the blame for any innocent deaths lies solely on the shoulders of Hamas.
Brand new Harvard Harris poll:
* 79% of Americans support Israel
* 66% say Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties
* 63% support ceasefire ONLY once hostages are freed and Hamas is removed from power
Just goes to show how the haters on X are so out of touch…. pic.twitter.com/7iq6GsGUKX
— Michael Freund (@msfreund) March 27, 2024
Harris’s refusal to rule out consequences for Israel if they were to attack Rafah has caused further tension in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the Biden administration has expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, Harris’ comments have been met with criticism from pro-Israel lawmakers like Fetterman.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for decades, with the latest escalation beginning in early May. Both sides have exchanged rocket fire, resulting in civilian deaths on both sides. The international community has called for a ceasefire, but both Israel and Hamas have rejected these calls.
The Biden administration has faced pressure to take a more assertive stance against Israel’s actions, with many lawmakers and activists calling for a cut in aid to Israel. However, the administration has maintained its support for Israel’s right to defend itself while also promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation remains tense, with no clear end in sight.