In her first interview as the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated her unwavering support for Israel's defense, signaling a continuity in policy with the Biden administration. Responding to calls to halt arms shipments to Israel in the wake of the Gaza conflict, Harris firmly stated that the United States' stance on arming Israel would not change if she were elected president.

Harris, addressing concerns over the devastating impact of Israel's military conduct in the war, expressed sympathy for the innocent Palestinians affected by the conflict. However, she emphasized that Israel had the right to defend itself and underlined the importance of how this defense was conducted. While acknowledging the loss of many innocent Palestinian lives, Harris stood firm in her commitment to Israel's security and self-defense.

The vice president's remarks aligned with President Joe Biden's previous statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Although some Democrats and pro-Palestinian activists have called for conditioning weapons shipments to Israel, Harris's position remained unchanged. Biden himself had previously threatened to withhold arms supply to Israel during the Gaza assault in May but did not follow through with the threat.

Harris also highlighted the urgency of reaching an agreement to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. She reaffirmed her commitment to work towards a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for both Israeli security and Palestinian self-determination.

While some had hoped that Harris' approach might differ from Biden's and exert more pressure on Israel to adhere to international law, her remarks dispelled such expectations. As vice president, Harris had spoken out about the suffering of Palestinians, setting herself apart from the actions of the Biden administration. However, now as a presidential candidate, she has demonstrated a continuation of the administration’s stance, showing no significant departure from the current trajectory.

The issue of providing political and unconditional military support to Israel remains contentious, with critics arguing that it undermines the pursuit of a just and humane resolution to the conflict. The Gaza crisis has once again brought the debate to the forefront and highlighted the divergence in viewpoints among political leaders and activists.

As the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds, Harris's affirmation of unwavering support for Israel's defense underscores the significance of this longstanding alliance in American foreign policy. However, it also raises questions about the potential impact on efforts to achieve a more balanced approach to Israeli-Palestinian relations and a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.