Israeli Officials Criticize VP Harris' Call to End Gaza War

Israeli officials have criticized U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' call to end the war in Gaza during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Harris' comments underscore the growing pressure on Netanyahu to negotiate a peace deal with Hamas amidst the ongoing conflict.

Israeli officials have voiced strong criticism against U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president, following her statement that the war in Gaza should come to an end due to the immense suffering caused by the conflict. Harris made these remarks during a press conference after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting mounting pressure on Netanyahu from various political factions to secure a deal with Hamas.

"There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal, and as I just told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done," said Harris. Netanyahu, on the other hand, called for heightened U.S. military aid to Israel, arguing it was the most effective way to restore peace in Gaza and ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

An unnamed Israeli official expressed concern that Harris' comments might be interpreted by Hamas as a sign of discord between the United States and Israel, potentially delaying a deal. Both current President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party nominee, have also urged a swift end to the fighting, which was ignited by a Hamas-led attack on Israel last October.

Netanyahu is expected to meet Trump later on Friday. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, key figures in Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, condemned Harris' remarks. "Madam candidate, there will be no cessation of hostilities," Ben-Gvir asserted on social media platform X. Although Harris defended Israel's right to defend itself, her remarks indicated a growing impatience with Netanyahu's government.

"We cannot allow ourselves to be numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," Harris declared.