**Kamala Harris Faces Tough Questions on Israel Ahead of "60 Minutes" Election Special**

Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to appear on a "60 Minutes" election special this Sunday, where she will address the United States' complex ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When questioned by correspondent Bill Whitaker on whether Netanyahu is a “real close ally,” Harris avoided a direct response. Instead, she emphasized the significance of the alliance between the American and Israeli people, underlining its importance without singling out Netanyahu.

Harris’ appearance on the renowned news program is part of a broader special that profiles major figures in the upcoming presidential race. Notably, former President Donald Trump, the Republican contender, will not feature on the special, having backed out after initially indicating his participation.

During the interview, Harris is anticipated to cover a range of pivotal topics, including the continuing conflict in the Middle East, which began following a surprise terror attack by Hamas one year ago. Other subjects on the docket include the economy, immigration, Harris' tenure as vice president, and her contrasts with Trump.

This measured approach comes at a pivotal time for U.S.-Israel relations. The Biden administration has maintained steadfast support for Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack, the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust. Nevertheless, Harris' rhetoric on Israel has faced greater scrutiny since she assumed the top spot on the Democratic ticket this summer.

At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, Harris garnered significant applause for advocating Palestinian statehood. However, she balanced this by unequivocally affirming her commitment to Israel's security and self-defense. "And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself," she declared, referencing the violence inflicted by Hamas.

Harris also commented on the ongoing war in Gaza, calling the loss of lives "devastating" and the resulting "scale of suffering" "heartbreaking." She highlighted the administration's ongoing efforts to end the conflict, ensuring Israel’s security, the release of hostages, and addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza. "President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination," she stated.

Harris' position on the conflict has not gone unnoticed. Groups like the Uncommitted National Movement have intensified their scrutiny, urging her to condemn Israeli military actions and cease sending weapons to Israel. Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the organization, recently highlighted her engagement with Arab and Muslim groups but stressed the need for stronger commitments.

The Biden administration has been advocating for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas to ensure the release of hostages. This stance resonates with growing domestic pressures within Israel, where protests have called out Netanyahu's government's failure to secure hostage releases.

The issue of hostages has taken on new urgency following the recent death of 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. His parents, prominent figures in advocating for hostages, have met with President Biden and Pope Francis and made emotional appeals at the DNC to "bring him home."

Trump has seized upon the crisis to attack Biden and Harris, accusing them of weak leadership and prioritizing political opponents over American lives. In a statement, he claimed, "This happened because Comrade Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe Biden are poor Leaders," adding, "They have blood on their hands!"

The "60 Minutes" election special featuring Vice President Kamala Harris will air this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.