### US Political Leaders Take Stances on Israel-Iran Conflict Amid Rising Tensions

In recent weeks, the conflict between Israel and Iran has once again captured global attention, putting the Biden administration under pressure to respond. Vice President Kamala Harris has been particularly vigilant, working to bridge the gap within the Democratic Party regarding U.S. support for Israel, even before Iran's missile attack on Israel in early October, which Iran claimed was in retaliation for the killing of Hamas and Hezbollah officials.

This geopolitical crisis may not have the direct impact on the upcoming U.S. presidential election compared to domestic issues like inflation and reproductive rights, but it underscores the necessity for adept international diplomacy from the next president. Amid escalating tensions, Republicans have been vocal in pressing President Joe Biden to bolster security aid for Israel and impose military threats on Tehran and its allies. Despite this, President Biden has publicly stated his opposition to a potential Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Former President Donald Trump has criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris, attributing the escalation of the conflict to what he describes as weak leadership. Trump suggests the U.S. should adopt a more aggressive stance, asserting, "hit the nuclear first and worry about the rest later."

Kamala Harris has consistently defended the Biden administration’s approach, highlighting efforts to mediate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, especially as the Gaza conflict marks its first anniversary. While affirming Israel's right to self-defense, she has also recognized the plight of the Palestinians. At a presidential debate in September, Harris emphasized the need for a two-state solution, advocating for both Israeli security and Palestinian dignity.

Although Harris has not provided a detailed plan for a two-state resolution, she has urged Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Additionally, her national security adviser clarified in August that she does not support imposing an arms embargo on Israel. Harris backed President Biden's decision in May to halt the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, amid concerns they could be used in densely populated areas where many Palestinians had taken refuge.

In contrast, Trump has positioned himself as a steadfast ally of Israel but has also been critical of its recent public relations efforts. During a June presidential debate, Trump was non-committal on the issue of an independent Palestinian state, stating, "I'd have to see."

Trump’s presidency marked a contentious shift in U.S. policy towards Israel, including the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and the cessation of U.S. opposition to Israeli settlements in the West Bank—actions later reversed by the Biden administration. Uncertainty remains on whether Harris would pursue a new nuclear deal with Iran if elected. During her 2020 campaign, she expressed a willingness to re-enter the Iran nuclear agreement, contingent on Iran's compliance.

Following Iran's recent missile attack on Israel, Harris condemned Iran as a destabilizing force in the Middle East and expressed support for President Biden's decision to intercept Iranian missiles. She asserted the necessity to protect U.S. forces and interests, pledging to continue working with allies to counter Iran's aggressive actions.

Trump has echoed similar concerns about Iran, blaming the Biden administration’s leadership for the missile attack and alleging that such events would not have occurred under his leadership. Without evidence, Trump has also insinuated an Iranian connection to attempts on his life, further intensifying the rhetoric around Iran’s threat to U.S. national security.

As both leaders continue to delineate their stances on the complex Israel-Iran conflict, their positions highlight the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and the security of the region.