US Vice President Kamala Harris avoided a direct answer on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a "close ally" of the United States, according to Al Jazeera.
In an interview with CBS News's 60 Minutes, Harris was questioned about the US response to Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. She stated that the US is pushing for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Middle East nations.
"The work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel," Harris told CBS News, as reported by Al Jazeera.
When asked if the US had a "real, close ally" in Netanyahu, Harris responded, "I think, with all due respect, the better question is, do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? And the answer to that question is 'yes.'"
The United States provides at least USD 3.8 billion in military aid to Israel annually. Additionally, President Joe Biden has approved USD 14 billion in further assistance since Israel's conflict with Gaza began on October 7 last year.
Despite advocating for de-escalation, US officials have expressed support for Israel's defense measures. "Obviously attacks, targeted attacks on civilians, could not be justified, but Israel does have the right to go after terrorists," said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Miller also emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian harm, stating, "They need to take actions to mitigate civilian harm. They're required to do that under international humanitarian law, in Lebanon as they are anywhere else."
In an interview with CBS News's 60 Minutes, Harris was questioned about the US response to Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. She stated that the US is pushing for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Middle East nations.
"The work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel," Harris told CBS News, as reported by Al Jazeera.
When asked if the US had a "real, close ally" in Netanyahu, Harris responded, "I think, with all due respect, the better question is, do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? And the answer to that question is 'yes.'"
The United States provides at least USD 3.8 billion in military aid to Israel annually. Additionally, President Joe Biden has approved USD 14 billion in further assistance since Israel's conflict with Gaza began on October 7 last year.
Despite advocating for de-escalation, US officials have expressed support for Israel's defense measures. "Obviously attacks, targeted attacks on civilians, could not be justified, but Israel does have the right to go after terrorists," said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Miller also emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian harm, stating, "They need to take actions to mitigate civilian harm. They're required to do that under international humanitarian law, in Lebanon as they are anywhere else."
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